Making of Opera: Nabucco - Rehearsal Process

Go behind the scenes with the Washington National Opera and discover what it takes to bring an opera to life! Watch as Director/Set Designer Thaddeus Strassberger, Production Director David Foti and Principal Stage Manager Beth Krynicki reveal the secrets behind creating the world of Nabucco, Verdi's Italian masterpiece. In this stunning production, the epic struggle of the Jews suppressed by Babylon's King Nabucco is echoed in Italy's nationalist conflict with Austria at the time Verdi created the opera. This landmark work is filled with grand and gorgeous music, including one of opera's most famous choruses, "Va, pensiero," adopted as Italy's unofficial national anthem. WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin conducts, and Franco Vassallo and Csilla Boross make their company debuts as Nabucco and Abigaille. Burak Bilgili as Zaccaria Sean Panikkar as Ismaele Géraldine Chauvet as Fenena Washington National Opera Orchestra Washington National Opera Chorus WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin conducts, and Franco Vassallo and Csilla Boross make their company debuts as Nabucco and Abigaille.