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With up to six times the resolution of a standard DVD, and up to 7.1 channels of High Definition surround sound, Blu-ray offers a stunning audio-visual experience. A Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB of data – or five times the capacity of today’s DVDs, and offers a fully interactive experience including internet connectivity and live content.

It is called Blu-ray because it uses a blue-violet laser that's focused to produce an incredibly precise pinpoint of light - five times smaller than the beam falling on the surface of a DVD.

In Guy Joosten’s ingenious production of Bellini’s masterpiece, Norma is about more than just beautiful singing. It becomes a layered, timeless drama in which Norma is the archetypal successful woman struggling to retain her dominant but vulnerable position. Hasmik Papian’s lyrical and intense interpretation of the title role accentuates the striking similarity between a Druid high priestess and a modern opera diva. Conductor Julian Reynolds guides the brilliant cast, choir and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra to great heights, providing a refreshing new take on the chef d’oeuvre of bel canto.

Pollione: Hugh Smith
Oroveso: Giorgio Giuseppini
Norma: Hasmik Papian
Adalgisa: Irini Tsirakidis
Clotilde: Anna Steiger
Flavio: Carlo Bosi

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera
Musical Director: Julian Reynolds
Stage Director: Guy Joosten

Recorded live at Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam, in 2005.

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