Like many other American singers, upon graduation, Norman went to Europe to begin her vocal career. After winning the Munich International Music Competition in 1968 she made her operatic debut in Berlin, taking the role of Elisabeth in Wagner's Tannhäuser Engagements in Rome and Florence soon followed.
Norman made her debut at La Scala in Milan, performing in Verdi's Aida in 1972. That same year, she also debuted at London's Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden, as Cassandra...