Nabucco Tickets

About the Show:

Nabucco, about the Biblical story of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, was Giuseppe Verdi's first successful opera, and although it is not the most often performed of his works, it is now heard all around the world. Its world premiere was on March 9, 1842 at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, and it has endured to be performed regularly as part of the rosters of companies such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Arena di Verona. It has also been performed at the San Francisco Opera, London's Royal Opera House, the New National Theatre Tokyo, Teatro Colon, Teatro Regio di Parma, and the Washington National Opera, among others.

The most famous number of Nabucco is the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, "Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate" ("Fly, thought, on golden wings"), a chorus that very often gets an encore in contemporary performance. In fact, it is one of the only encores ever allowed by the Metropolitan Opera. Also of note, the famously difficult soprano role of Abigaille is often seen as a danger for singers. Performers Elena Souliotis and Anita Cerquetti both attempted it before they were properly seasoned, and it is believed that its high tessitura damaged their voices, causing their careers to end prematurely. Even the eminent Maria Callas only performed it three times. Many have refused the part outright, including Leontyne Price and Dame Joan Sutherland, but given enough talent and preparation, it is one of Verdi's most impressive roles. Get your Nabucco tickets today to experience this famous role and the rest of this dramatic and beautiful opera live.

Plot Synopsis:

Act I, Scene I: At the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, the Jewish Israelites bemoan their impending defeat as Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar), King of Babylon, ransacks the city with his scores of soldiers. As they pray for salvation, Zaccaria (Zacharius), the high priest, enters with hope; he holds Nabucco's daughter, Fenena, as a hostage. Ismaele, the nephew of Jerusalem's king and leader of their army, enters with bad news: Nabucco is destroying everything in his path. Zaccaria prays for a miracle to save them and he hands over Fenena to Ismaele for safe keeping. After everyone else leaves, it is revealed that Ismaele and Fenena are in love, having met when Ismaele was an envoy to Babylon. Suddenly, Fenena's sister, Abigaille, bursts in with a contingent of disguised Babylonian soldiers who seek to occupy the temple. She privately tells Ismaele that he can save his people if he returns her love, but he can not, and offers his life for those of his people. The Hebrew masses enter the temple for refuge as Nabucco storms in. Zaccaria confronts the warrior king, deriding him for his proud, blasphemous ways and threatening to kill Fenena, but Ismaele restrains Zaccaria and turns over Fenena to her father. As Ismaele is condemned as a traitor, Nabucco orders that the temple be pillaged and burned down.

Act II, Scene I: In the royal palace in Babylon, Abigaille discovers a document that proves that she is not Nabucco's real daughter, but the child of slaves. She swears revenge on Nabucco and his chosen heiress, Fenena. The High Priest of Baal enters with the news that Fenena has freed the Hebrew prisoners, and as a result of this treason, the religious leaders spread a rumor that the king has dies and Abigaille is offered the throne instead.

Act II, Scene II: In a hall in the palace, Zaccaria assists Fenena in converting to the Jewish religion and pardons Ismaele's treason since he saved a fellow Hebrew's life, that of the newly converted Fenena. Suddenly, the palace advisor Abdallo enters to warn Fenena about the recent regime change, but before she can escape, the High Priest of Baal and Abigaille enter and declare a death sentence on the Jews. As the girls struggle over the royal scepter, Nabucco enters to everyone's surprise and proclaims that, because of his victories, he is god. When a lightning bolt strikes him down and knocks him out of his senses, Abigaille seizes the crown.

Act III, Scene I: In the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Abigaille revels in her newfound power. The dizzied Nabucco enters, demanding his throne, but Abigaille refuses, saying that he is in no condition to rule. She presents him with a warrant for the death of the Israelites and taunts his indecision until he signs it, and only then does he realize that this means Fenena's death as well. Nabucco accuses Abigaille of being an impostor, but she tears up the document that proves her true origins and orders him to be imprisoned.

Act III, Scene II: On the banks of the Euphrates River, the Jews take a short rest from their slave labor. As they yearn for their lost homeland, Zaccaria urges them to have faith that The Lord will help them overcome their struggles and destroy Babylon.

Act IV, Scene I: Nabucco awakens and stumbles to his window to find Fenena being led to her death. In desperation, he kneels and prays to the Hebrew God for forgiveness and swears that he will convert himself and his people. When Abdallo and some soldiers come to his door and see that he has regained his faculties, they release him. Demanding a sword, he entreats his people to accompany him as he tries to regain his throne.

Act IV, Scene II: At the Hanging Gardens, Zaccaria and the Hebrews stand awaiting execution. Just as Fenena asks that God receive her into Heaven, Nabucco storms in and demands the destruction of the statue of Baal; it immediately shatters. Abigaille realizes she is doomed and takes poison. As she dies, she confesses her crimes and prays to the Hebrew god for forgiveness. Nabucco releases the Israelites back to their land and the rebuilding of the sacred temple as all praise Jehovah.

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