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

Nabucco

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 OrkestAndreas 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.

Nabucco koor met man

Watch the trailer!

Nabucco trailer

Podcast Nabucco (in Dutch)

By: Benjamin Rous

This production is sponsored by: