Perhaps nothing symbolises Belfast's gradual emergence into normality than the return of Luciano Pavarotti, 36 years after he sang the role of Pinkerton on the stage of Belfast's Grand Opera House.
This event, however, defied any other definition of normality. A huge stage, flanked by immense speaker systems and video screens, was erected in the Stormont grounds. An estimated 11,000 people sat and stood in the open air, making this the largest classical music event ever held in Northern Ireland. Although the weather cleared after a day of heavy rain, it was extremely cold - Che gelida manina was an all too apposite choice.
From the purely musical point of view this was a frustrating evening, as the output from the speakers completely drowned any sounds that were coming directly from the stage. One could tell that the Ulster Orchestra was providing committed playing for Leone Magiera, and that the young Italian soprano, Carmela Remigio, sang Io son l'umile ancilla and Vissi d'arte with a beautiful creamy tone. Pavarotti himself gave his all in Vesti la giubba, Mattinata and the Addio from Cavalleria Rusticana.
But I'm no nearer to hearing what the man actually sounds like without electronic intervention than I am listening to my CDs at home.
Fortunately the sheer warmth of his personality came over. Pavarotti can really work an audience, and was in his element in a series of encores, which included Granada, luccevan le stelle, O sole mio and the Brindisi from Traviata, where he was joined by Ms Remigio and a singalong crowd. He gave the event a sense of occasion - which is something you don't get from listening to CDs at home.