In May and June 2023, Giuseppe Verdi’s opulent opera in David Bösch’s celebrated production can once again be enjoyed in the Semperoper with a brilliant cast of singers.
In the revival, which starts on 29 May 2023, ensemble member Markus Marquardt will interpret the title role for the first time at the Semperoper. For the last three performances, Andrzej Dobber takes over the title role.
The Polish soprano Ewa Płonka sings the role of the power-hungry Abigaille, making her Dresden house debut as the Persian King’s daughter. During the performances, Vitalij Kowaljow, Georg Zeppenfeld and Alexander Vinogradov take over the part of Zaccaria. The performances of Christa Mayer as Fenena and Pavol Breslik as Ismaele are also certain to delight Dresden audiences along with the rest of this star-studded cast.
The Staatskapelle Dresden will be conducted by the Spaniard Jordi Bernàcer, who previously interpreted Verdi’s monumental dramma lirico of war, revenge and love at the Semperoper in June 2019. The thrilling and world-famous »Va’ pensiero, sull’ali dorate« – the »Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves« – will be sung by the State Opera Chorus and the Dresden Symphony Chorus, which is the Semperoper’s auxiliary choir.
Following Korngold’s »Die tote Stadt«, »Nabucco« is David Bösch’s second production for the Semperoper. The scenery by stage designer Patrick Bannwart, which is reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, functions both as Jehovah’s temple and a home for refugees. Against this backdrop, the director unleashes the cruel and sacrificial struggle for power and love in thrilling scenes. With its visual power and Verdi’s poignant music, this ageless Dresden opera production could hardly be more topical or more searing as it reflects on our global problems of war and those forced to flee their homes and seek refuge.
Photo: Scene from »Nabucco« © Semperoper Dresden/Ludwig Olah