Dutch National Opera
Nabucco
Dates
This production was to be seen in January 2020
Location
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage
Running time
3:20, 2 breaks
Tickets
Not available
Va pensiero
Nabucco is a biblical drama in both narrative and scale and was the young Verdi’s breakthrough composition. Perhaps best known for the beautiful chorus of the slaves, this is the first time this beloved opera is being mounted at Dutch National Opera & Ballet.
Va Pensiero
Slave chorus
‘Va pensiero’, the slave chorus in which the Israelites lament the loss of their homeland and Babylonian exile, is a song almost everyone knows. In Verdi’s time this was a sentiment to which fellow Italians could relate. To this day, the beloved melody from Nabucco is Italy’s unofficial second national anthem.
Plot
Nabucco tells the story of the persecution of the Jews by the king of Babylon. In a fit of madness, Nabucco commands that he be worshipped as God, and is instantly struck down by lightning. His power-hungry eldest daughter Abigaille seizes the throne. But just when all appears lost, Nabucco regains his sanity.
Verdi's pioneering style
The prominence of the chorus in Nabucco, spirited rhythms and perfect dramatic timing are all typical of Verdi’s pioneering style.
Team and cast
Having conducted Il trovatore and Il barbiere di Siviglia at DNO, Maurizio Benini returns once more to lead the Residentie Orkest. Andreas Homoki is back for his sixth time at DNO, after directing Carmen (1999), Capriccio (2000), Lulu (2002) and Die Frau ohne Schatten (2008). Nabucco and Zaccaria are formidable baritone and bass roles sung by George Petean and Dmitry Belosselskiy, respectively. Soprano Anna Pirozzi brings her powerful low range and acting talent to the rewarding role of Abigaille. All three are appearing at DNO for the first time.
Watch the trailer!
Podcast Nabucco (in Dutch)
This production is sponsored by:
