Daniel Rubin

I was so lucky to be at the premiere of Norma at Theater an der Wien in which #asmikgrigorian and @aigul_akhmetshina_mezzo both premiered in this opera. Brava, Brava, Brava to both! Most incredible singing by Aigul, and as for Asmik, to say that this was a triumph is an understatement. Her name is not the first to come to mind when you think of Norma, but she made it her own. Her energy, passion, and emotions were genuine and truly electrifying, proved by the ovation and cheers from the often restrained Viennese audience. In my many years going to opera, Asmik stands apart in embodying (not acting) her roles, projecting genuine emotions that are very moving. She clearly wokred extremely hard in preparing for this role, aiming to honor her mother's acclaimed Normas. Asmik not only succeeded, she exceeded in this, and made a mark on Norma not soon to be forgotten. ❤️