St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Mon 17 Oct
St David’s Hall presents an opera classic this October with Verdi’s Nabucco. Presented by Opera & Ballet International, and directed by Ellen Kent, the classic opera features the famous Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves and offers a chance to see world renowned Soprano, Olga Perrier.
Verdi’s haunting and melodic Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves follows the plight of the Hebrews as they are forced from their homeland into exile by the Babylonian King Nabucco. This powerful tale is laced with revenge, destruction and jealousy. When Nabucco is struck by lightning he proclaims himself to be a god. Others think he is a mad man, a tyrant, yesterday’s news, a father and possibly even a liberator. In the final reckoning how will Nabucco be judged?
Best known for Va, pensiero – The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Nabucco is a rich treasure by the young Verdi that all fans of his work will want to discover. Nabucco is the operatic equivalent of a 1950s biblical Hollywood epic with its rousing, soaring score. A spectacular traditionally-staged production featuring magnificent sets and costumes with amazing lighting and stage effects, which includes the burning down of Solomon’s temple. Nabucco promises to be an evening to remember.
Starring Olga Perrier, the international French Soprano, as Abigail, while Ellen Kent returns with a new production of the very first opera she ever produced. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Tickets: £15-£32. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
words EMILY GARSIDE