The Met: Live in HD 2023–24 season continues with a live transmission of Verdi’s Nabucco on Saturday, January 20 at Rialto Theatre in Limassol.
The renowned international cast features Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska, Georgian baritone George Gagnidze, and South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek in his Met debut.
The Metropolitan Opera’s 2023–24 Live in HD season continues with the live transmission of Verdi’s early masterpiece Nabucco on Saturday, January 20, at 19:55, in the company’s classic production of epic proportions. The grand, larger-than-life staging promises to draw opera lovers and newcomers alike to this dramatic retelling of biblical history.
In his Met role debut, Georgian baritone George Gagnidze stars as Nabucco, the imperious king of Babylon, alongside Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska reprising the role of his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Singing the lovers Fenena and Ismaele are Russian mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova, in her Met role debut, and renowned South Korean baritone-turned-tenor SeokJong Baek, in his company debut. Ukrainian bass Dmitry Belosselskiy repeats his celebrated portrayal of the high priest Zaccaria, and Italian maestro Daniele Callegari conducts the performance, which will feature the ultimate showcase for the Met Chorus, “Va, pensiero.”
Elijah Moshinsky’s monumental staging was first performed at the Met on March 8, 2001, and last appeared in 2017. The creative team includes set designer John Napier, costume designer Andreane Neofitou, and lighting designer Howard Harrison.
Habib Azar will direct the Live in HD presentation for cinemas, with two-time Grammy Award–winning soprano Angel Blue providing exclusive behind-the-scenes access and conducting interviews with the cast and creative team during intermission.
The Stars of Nabucco
Daniele Callegari, conductor; Milan, Italy
Liudmyla Monastyrska, Abigaille; Kyiv, Ukraine
Maria Barakova, Fenena; Kemerovo, Russia
SeokJong Baek, Ismaele; Jeon-Ju, South Korea
George Gagnidze, Nabucco; Tbilisi, Georgia
Dmitry Belosselskiy, Zaccaria; Pavlohrad, Ukraine
Press Quotes
“Singing with strength and clarity, the ensemble filled the company’s imposing hall without sacrificing the smooth texture and depth of its sound … [Gagnidze] shaped Nabucco’s full character arc with his baritone, from the sheeny resonance and dripping venom of a boastful king to the long, stately lines of a penitent one … Belosselskiy, who returned as Zaccaria in ‘Nabucco,’ sang attractively … SeokJong Baek, in his Met debut, had ardor to spare as Ismaele, and the mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova sang Fenena with vibrancy. The conductor Daniele Callegari brought richness, panache, and stylistic cogency to ‘Nabucco,’ showing what’s possible when a maestro approaches this early score with integrity.” —The New York Times
“Chorus was splendid … ‘Va, pensiero’ seemed to ride on air. It seemed to float—beautifully breathed and in tune … very satisfying … prayerful, simple, transcendent … Ms. Monastyrska was both beast and angel … Belosselskiy was a pro, giving what he had, which was plenty” — New Criterion
The 2023–24 Live in HD season continues with Carmen (January 27), La Forza del Destino (March 16), Madama Butterfly (May 11), Roméo et Juliette (September 14), and La Rondine (September 28). All performances will be on Saturday matinees transmitted live from the Rialto Theatre stage.
Major Sponsors: OPAP CYPRUS, MEDOCHEMIE, ATLAS PANTOU, ISLAND OIL
Theatre Sponsor: CROWN Plaza
Media Sponsor: VESTNIK KIPRA
January 20 2024 | Saturday 19:55
E-ticket: €20/15 www.rialto.com.cy
Or box office 77777745
(Monday – Friday 10:00- 15:00)
