The SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana will join us again this year as part of the diverse programme of the Pula Summer of Culture.
Last year the ensemble marked the 100th anniversary of the death of great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini with a performance at Pula's amphitheatre of his hit and global favourite Madame Butterfly. This year they will take to the stage at the amphitheatre with Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco.
The Slovenian National Theatre's Opera and Ballet Ljubljana troupe will appear at the amphitheatre on Wednesday 2 July.
The celebrated opera in four acts will be performed by the SNG choir and orchestra and the following lead players:
- NABUCCO: Marko Kobal
- ISMAELE: Ivan Defabiani (guest artist)
- ZACCARIA: Peter Martinčič
- ABIGAILLE: Maida Hundeling (guest artist)
- FENENA: Elena Dobravec
- HIGH PRIEST: Zoran Potočan
- ABDALLO: Rusmir Redžić
- ANNA: Polona Kante
Verdi's Nabucco is an absolute hit in Europe and around the world, known especially for the famed "Va, pensiero" chorus. Over the decades it has become a symbol of resistance and liberty. Also known as the "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves", it tells the tale of the ruin of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem in 586 BC and of a Babylonian captivity. The libretto was penned by Temistocle Solera, who was inspired by Psalm 137.
The opera draws on a story from the Biblical Book of Daniel of a conflict between the king Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco) and the Israelites. At the heart of the narrative is the conflictual love triangle between his daughters, the gentle Fenena and the passionate Abigaille, and the Israelite Ismaele, further enhancing the dramatic tension.
Nabucco is Verdi's early but very mature work, which met with immediate success following its premiere showing at Milan's La Scala in 1842, paving the way for his arrival on the global opera scene. A combination of expressive recitals, melodic arias, magnificent choruses, and a politically charged story have made this opera one of the major musical achievements of the 19th century.
The SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, founded in 1892, is the pride of the Slovenian cultural scene. This prestigious theatre house has promoted opera and ballet for over a century, offering the kinds of unforgettable experiences and superb performances that Pula saw last year at the amphitheatre.
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