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THE PERFORMANCE
Approximate run time
2 hours and 45 minutes total, including a 5 minute pause between Acts I & II and a 20 minute intermission between Acts II & III
Pre-performance talk
5 PM
Included in price of performance ticket
Takes place inside Lisner Auditorium
To be given by WCO co-founder Peter Russell
Opera Gems Online
Free online lecture by Peter Russell
Abridged, audio-only version will be linked here following the event
THE OPERA
A plot synopsis can be found here.
Detailed program notes can be found here.
“My career really began with NABUCCO.”
So stated Giuseppe Verdi after composing it — his third opera. NABUCCO was considered to be a masterpiece as well as the first patriotic opera of its time. While La Scala only planned on eight performances for its premiere, they went on to present it 57 times in just three months due to its roaring reception (which is still the record). Among the many recognizable arias and duets throughout Verdi’s operas, this one, set in Jerusalem and Babylon in the 500s BC, holds what might be the most famous chorus ever written (“Va, pensiero”). The piece later became an important Italian anthem.
Baritone Lester Lynch returns to the WCO stage to portray the father and Babylonian King Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar II) alongside soprano Alexandra Loutsion as Abigaille. Bass Peter Volpe also returns to WCO for the first time since 1998 as Zaccaria, and tenor Andres Acosta will make his WCO debut as Ismaele.
Additional cast includes Melody Wilson as Fenena, Teresa Perrotta as Anna, Rolando Sanz as Abdallo, and Matthew Scollin as the High Priest.
THE CAST
Additional Cast:
Teresa Perrotta as Anna
Rolando Sanz as Abdallo
Matthew Scollin as the High Priest