Nabucco
Daniele Abbado explores themes of identity, exile and religion in a powerful staging of Verdi’s epic opera.
Photos
Introduction
War has broken out between the Babylonians and Israelites. The Israelites have captured Fenena, younger daughter of the Babylonian King, Nabucco. In revenge, Nabucco vows to destroy Jerusalem, aided by the vengeful Abigaille.
News and features
Your reaction: Nabucco in cinemas
Audience tweets from our cinema relay of Verdi's epic opera, starring opera legend Plácido Domingo.
Plácido Domingo receives the Freedom of the City of London
Spanish singer and conductor honoured at Freedom ceremony.
Your reaction: Daniele Abbado's production of Nabucco
A selection of audience tweets from the first performances of Verdi's epic.
Listen: Leo Nucci on playing Nabucco
The Italian baritone on Verdi as a towering figure of Italian art, and his own childhood.
Young Artist Profile: Stage Director Pedro Ribeiro on melding theatre and music
The Portuguese Stage Director reflects on two years with The Royal Opera.
Behind the scenes: How we brought Nabucco to life in Dorset
Watch our trailer for a new production of Verdi’s biblical epic.
Background
Following the spectacular failure of his second opera, Un giorno di regno, Giuseppe Verdi vowed never to compose another. But he was lured back to the theatre by Bartolomeo Merelli, the impresario of La Scala, Milan, with the commission for Nabucco. The resulting opera was a triumph – first performed in 1842, it was revived the same year with a run of 57 shows. As Verdi wrote: ‘with this opera, it can truly be said that my artistic career began.’
Daniele Abbado’s production is set in the second half of the 20th century and makes imaginative use of large-scale video projections to accompany and reflect the action on stage. An enormous chorus lends weight to epic numbers such as ‘Immenso Jehova’ – the Hebrew Slaves’ triumphant hymn of thanksgiving – and their song of exile, ‘Va, pensiero’, which is considered by many to be Italy’s unofficial national anthem. There are wonderful bass and baritone roles in the figures of Nabucco, the Babylonian King (based on the biblical King Nebuchadnezzar), and Zaccaria, the Hebrew prophet. And in Abigaille, Verdi created a memorable anti-heroine, at once terrifying and pitiable. Throughout, the score blends rhythmic vitality and powerful drama, and is on a scale that does justice to the opera’s epic themes.
Live cinema season
Nabucco
29 April 2013 (delayed live)
Plácido Domingo and Liudmyla Monastyrska
Conductor: Nicola Luisotti
Thanks to
Co-production with
La Scala, Milan; Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona; Houston Grand Opera
Production generously sponsored by
Generous philanthropic support from
Mrs Susan A Olde OBE, Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet, Martin and Jane Houston and the Verdi Syndicate
How to support the Royal Opera House
Please note
On 20, 23 and 26 April there will be cameras filming in the auditorium for the Live cinema relay
Running time
About 2 hours 50 minutes | Including one interval. Parts one and two will last for about 1 hour 20 minutes, followed by a 25 minute interval. Parts three and four will last for about 1 hour.
Language
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
Credits
| Director | Daniele Abbado |
| Composer | Giuseppe Verdi |
| Designs | Alison Chitty |
| Lighting design | Alessandro Carletti |
| Movement | Simona Bucci |
| Video design | Luca Scarzella |
Related links
- www.youtube.com Nabucco films from the cinema relay
- en.wikipedia.org Nabucco – synopsis
