A clandestine love affair sets the stage for a battle full of fury and anguish in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's production of Norma at the Civic Opera House. The epitome of the bel canto opera style, Vincenzo Bellini's masterpiece has been a vehicle for supremely talented sopranos since its debut in 1831. Metropolitan Opera star Sondra Radvanovsky "earned a thunderous ovation ... her top notes ringing and powerful, her middle range velvety, her coloratura nimble and phrasing elegant" (The New York Times) for her recent performance in the role. Set during the Gallic-Roman wars, the story focuses on the awe-inspiring Druid high priestess, whose role demands a strict vow of celibacy. But she's violated that code by falling in love with the leader of the occupying army, and leads a double life to conceal her secret.