Nabucco

An ancient story. A revolutionary telling.

Company Premiere and New Co-Production
On its surface, Nabucco is about the epic struggle of the Jews suppressed by Babylon’s King. But to Italians fighting for their freedom from Austria, Verdi’s first great opera was an inspiring call to arms. In an unprecedented spectacle, Opera Philadelphia produces this beloved biblical tale with a slight twist: while the classical story unfolds on stage, 19th century opera goers join the modern day audience. The result? An exhilarating opera-within-an-opera as the Academy transforms into La Scala to thrill all involved, especially with “Va, pensiero (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves),” adopted as Italy’s unofficial national anthem shortly after Nabucco’s premiere. In celebration of Verdi’s 200th birthday and 2013 being the Year of Italian Culture in the U.S., Opera Philadelphia delivers a galvanizing, must-see production.

New co-production with Washington National Opera and The Minnesota Opera

Audio excerpts from Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco (EMI 5099945644726; Riccardo Muti, conductor). Featuring Matteo Manuguerra, Renata Scotto and the Ambrosian Opera Chorus. Excerpts include the opera’s passionate opening chorus, “Gli arredi festivi giù cadano infranti” (Let the festive adornments be cast down and shattered), Abigaille’s bel canto influenced “Anch'io dischuiso un giorno” (I, too, once opened my heart to joy); the passionate confrontation duet between Abigaille and Nabucco “Deh, perdona” (Oh, forgive, oh, pardon); and ending with the beloved hymn of the Hebrew slaves “Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate” (Go, my thought, on golden wings). Selections courtesy of EMI Classics. For more information or to purchase this recording, go to www.emiclassics.com.

OPERA AT THE ACADEMY

Venue:

Academy of Music
240 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102