NABUCCO IS NEW TO L.A.
LOS ANGELES--The Lyric
Opera of Chicago's production of Giuseppe Verdi's NABUCCO will be performed
for the first time in L.A. Sept. 8-28, starring Renato Bruson, who has
made Nabucco a signature role for himself. Also featured in the epic opera
are soprano Maria Guleghina (as Nabucco vindictive daughter Abigaille)
and Carlo Colombara as Zaccaria. Thor Steingraber directs this Elijah
Moshinsky production, with Lawrence Foster directing.
Set in ancient Babylon, the Hebrews find themselves under attack by the
hostile Babylonians, led by Nabucco. Abigaille, though, loves the Hebrew
warrior Ismaele and holds all Jersusalem in ransom for his love, allowing
Verdi to explore universal themes of love, freedom and national pride.
The opera's best known aria is the passionate chorus of the Hebrew slaves,
"Va pensiero."
Other forthcoming 2002-2003 operas include Prokofiev's WAR AND PEACE, Offenbach's THE TALES OF HOFFMAN, Monteverdi's THE CORONATION OF POPPEA, Rossini's THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, Wagner's THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, Mozart's DON GIOVANNI and (for one night only) Frederica Von Stade in concert.
Call (213) 972-8001 or visit www.LosAngelesOpera.com