by usia review

'Nabucco' Verdi at Coliseu dos Recreios, Lisbon. Music Direction: Antonio Ariza Momblant

Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, an opera in four acts with a libretto by Temistocle Solera, premiered in 1842 at Teatro alla Scala in Milan and remains one of the composer’s most powerful early works. Presented at the Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon by Grupo Chiado, this production reaffirmed the opera’s dramatic and musical impact, under the musical direction of Antonio Ariza Momblant, with the Hesperian Symphony Orchestra.

Rooted in biblical history, Nabucco draws inspiration from the figure of Nebuchadnezzar II, the second great king of the Babylonian Empire, whose role in the Jewish captivity forms the opera’s historical backbone. As evoked in the Book of Jeremiah — “I shall deliver this city into the hands of the King of Babylon, and he will destroy it by fire” — the narrative unfolds as a tale of power, oppression, faith, and redemption.

The opera is structured into four parts:
Part I – Jerusalem
Part II – The Impious One
Part III – The Prophecy (two scenes)
Part IV – The Broken Idol (two scenes)

One of the most iconic moments of the work is undoubtedly the chorus of the Hebrew slaves, “Va, pensiero”, which has transcended the opera house to become a universal hymn of longing and freedom. In this production, the chorus emerged as a central emotional pillar, resonating deeply with the audience.

The cast — Maria Ruiz, Maria Luisa Corbacho, Manuel Más, António Alonso, and Pablo Sánchez — delivered performances of notable vocal excellence. Although unfamiliar names to much of the audience, the singers revealed impressive technical command and expressive depth. The principal roles, particularly the baritone and bass portraying Nabucco and Zaccaria, alongside the soprano in the demanding role of Abigaille, stood out for the beauty of their voices, musicality, and rich vocal timbre.

Warmly received by the audience, the performance was met with enthusiastic applause and resounding bravos, confirming the success of this Nabucco and its strong connection with the Lisbon public.

#NABUCCO @Coliseudosrecreios @grupochiado

Thanks to: Grupo Chiado, Sandra Godinho