Norma

Love her or hate her, Daniela Dessì was at the top of her game in the Teatro Comunale di Bologna's 2008 production of Bellini's opera (best known for the aria "Casta Diva"). Far from being a stand-alone, however, she's paired with the ferocious mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich for a potent bel canto cocktail directed by Federico Tiezzi and conducted by Evelino Pidò. It's not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.