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Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, an undisputed masterpiece of Italian Romanticism, is set to dazzle music enthusiasts with exceptional screenings in Paris on January 6, followed by Beirut on January 17, 2024. Promising to be a memorable cultural event, this production will feature acclaimed lyrical artists such as Maria Barakova, SeokJong Baek, George Gagnidze and Dmitry Belosselskiy, under the musical direction of Daniele Callegari.
Nabucco, Verdi’s first popular triumph, unfolds in the antiquity, oscillating between Jerusalem and Babylon in 586 B.C. The plot weaves the tragic fate of Nabucco, King of Babylon, who, after conquering the Hebrews, is struck down by divine lightning for declaring himself equal to the Gods. His fall paves the way for the ambitious Abigaille to seize power. Amidst a web of political and romantic passions, the story intensifies as Fenena, Nabucco’s daughter, and Ismael, nephew of the King of Jerusalem, discover their mutual love. Imprisoned and humiliated, Nabucco finds redemption by praying to the God of the Jews, ultimately saving his daughter and liberating the Hebrews. Abigaille, consumed by remorse, ends her life after blessing the union of Fenena and Ismael.
With its lavish settings and staging by Elijah Moshinsky, the opera explores universal themes such as identity, power and redemption, brought to life through demanding vocal performances and timeless melodies. Among these, the famous chorus Va pensiero stands out, symbolizing hope and the longing for freedom. Nabucco is not just a cornerstone of the Verdi repertoire, it is a reflection of the struggle for Italian unification, mirroring the nationalist aspirations of the era.
Presented in Italian with French subtitles, this four-act opera offers a complete immersion into Verdi’s dramatic and emotional world. This performance is a rare opportunity to savor Verdi’s genius, embodied by a distinguished cast and a breathtaking production, promising opera lovers a spectacle of unparalleled intensity.