Nabucco with Anna Netrebko

Opera Bonn, Bonn, Germany

Scene 3 from the opera "Nabucco", photo 1

Scene 1 from the opera "Nabucco", photo 2

Scene 2 from the opera "Nabucco", photo 3

Scene 4 from the opera "Nabucco", photo 4

Scene 5 from the opera "Nabucco", photo 5

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7:30 PM

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Important Info

Type: Opera

City: Bonn, Germany

Starts at: 19:30

Acts: 4

Intervals: 1

Duration: 2h 35min

Sung in: Italian

Titles in: German,English

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

Overview

Anna Netrebko makes her debut at the Bonn Opera. She is considered the most important soprano of our time: Anna Netrebko. With her unmistakable voice, she has taken the world's most prestigious stages by storm; performances outside the major metropolises are an absolute rarity for her. All the more sensational, then: Anna Netrebko will be appearing at the Bonn Opera for the first time this season – in two very different roles that could hardly be more contrasting. On November 6, 2026, she will sing Abigaille in Verdi's NABUCCO , unleashing the full power of her dramatic voice in this signature role.

Drawing on the biblical story, the battle between Babylonians and Hebrews unfolds into a fateful drama of fanaticism and divine power. Verdi's gripping early work reflects this conflict in dramatic musical contrasts, complemented by deeply emotional choral parts. A profoundly moving spectacle about hope and tyranny, it transforms timeless conflicts into a captivating and unforgettable evening at the opera.

After Nabucco, King of Babylon, defeats the Hebrews, he takes them captive. His daughter Fenena, also a Hebrew captive, has turned her back on her father and chosen her lover Ishmael, the nephew of the King of Jerusalem. Abigaille, Nabucco's second daughter, however, lusts for power. When she learns that she is not Nabucco's biological daughter, she resolves to eliminate her sister. When Nabucco finally declares himself a god and loses his mind, she seizes her opportunity: through trickery, she persuades her father to pronounce the death penalty on all Hebrews—including his own daughter. Fearing for her life, Nabucco regains his sanity and liberates the Hebrew people.

The story of NABUCCO is rooted in the Bible. King Nebuchadnezzar II is said to have lost his mind after his victory over the Hebrews and ultimately found himself again through God. In 1842, Giuseppe Verdi achieved an overnight breakthrough with this story. The Milanese audience, it is said, was able to identify with the Hebrew people: Milan was under Austrian rule at the time of the premiere in 1842. The choral number "Va, pensiero" from the third act of the opera – known today primarily as the "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" – was interpreted as a hymn to freedom. Verdi thus owed his success not least to the political potential of his opera.

In his production, Roland Schwab (COLONEL CHABERT, ERNANI) focuses on the themes of imprisonment and power. The prison serves not only as a backdrop but also as a metaphor: In the apparent game of power, violence, from a philosophical perspective, becomes a prison from which no one can escape.

History

Premiere of this production: 09 March 1842, Teatro alla Scala, Milan

Nabucco (short for Nabucodonosor) is an Italian-language opera in four acts composed in 1841 by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. The libretto is based on biblical books of Jeremiah and Daniel and the 1836 play by Auguste Anicet-Bourgeois and Francis Cornu, although Antonio Cortese's ballet adaptation of the play (with its necessary simplifications), given at La Scala in 1836, was a more important source for Solera than the play itself.

Synopsis

Time: 587 BC
Place: Jerusalem and Babylon

Act 1: Jerusalem

'Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I shall deliver this city into the hand of the King of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire' (Jeremiah 21:10)
Interior of the Temple of Solomon

The Israelites pray as the Babylonian army advances on their city ("Gli arredi festivi giù cadano infranti" / "Throw down and destroy all festive decorations"). The High Priest Zaccaria tells the people not to despair but to trust in God ("D'Egitto là su i lidi" / "On the shores of Egypt He saved the life of Moses"). The presence of a hostage, Fenena, younger daughter of Nabucco, King of Babylon, may yet secure peace ("Come notte a sol fulgente" / "Like darkness before the sun"). Zaccaria entrusts Fenena to Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem and a former envoy to Babylon. Left alone, Fenena and Ismaele recall how they fell in love when Ismaele was held prisoner by the Babylonians, and how Fenena helped him to escape to Israel. Nabucco's supposed elder daughter, Abigaille, enters the temple with Babylonian soldiers in disguise. She, too, loves Ismaele. Discovering the lovers, she threatens Ismaele: if he does not give up Fenena, Abigaille will accuse her of treason. If Ismaele returns Abigaille's love, however, Abigaille will petition Nabucco on the Israelites' behalf. Ismaele tells Abigaille that he cannot love her and she vows revenge. Nabucco enters with his warriors ("Viva Nabucco" / "Long live Nabucco"). Zaccaria defies him, threatening to kill Fenena if Nabucco attacks the temple. Ismaele intervenes to save Fenena, which removes any impediment from Nabucco destroying the temple. He orders this, while Zaccaria and the Israelites curse Ismaele as a traitor.

Act 2: The Impious One

'Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth, it shall fall upon the head of the wicked' (Jeremiah 30:23)
Scene 1: Royal apartments in Babylon

Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites. Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco's real daughter, but the daughter of slaves. She reflects bitterly on Nabucco's refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness ("Anch'io dischiuso un giorno" / "I too once opened my heart to happiness"). The High Priest of Bel informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives. He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread the rumour that Nabucco has died in battle. Abigaille determines to seize the throne ("Salgo già del trono aurato" / "I already ascend the golden throne").

Scene 2: A room in the palace

Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law ("Vieni, o Levita" / "Come, oh Levite!"), then goes to summon Fenena. A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery. Zaccaria returns with Fenena and his sister Anna. Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele. Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille. Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Bel and demands the crown from Fenena. Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god. The high priest Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco in turn orders the death of the Israelites. Fenena reveals to him that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites' fate. Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine ("Non son più re, son dio" / "I am no longer King! I am God!"). There is a crash of thunder and Nabucco promptly loses his senses. The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.

Act 3: The Prophecy

'Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein'. (Jeremiah 50:39)
Scene 1: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Abigaille is now Queen of Babylon. The High Priest of Bel presents her with the death warrant for the Israelites, as well as for Fenena. Nabucco, still insane, tries to reclaim the throne without success. Though his consent to the death warrant is no longer necessary, Abigaille tricks him into signing it. When Nabucco learns that he has consigned his (true) daughter to death, he is overcome with grief and anger. He tells Abigaille that he is not in fact her father and searches for the document evidencing her true origins as a slave. Abigaille mocks him, produces the document and tears it up. Realizing his powerlessness, Nabucco pleads for Fenena's life ("Oh di qual onta aggravasi questo mio crin canuto" / "Oh, what shame must my old head suffer"). Abigaille is unmoved and orders Nabucco to leave her.

Scene 2: The banks of the River Euphrates

The Israelites long for their homeland ("Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate" / "Fly, thought, on golden wings"). The high priest Zaccaria once again exhorts them to have faith: God will destroy Babylon. The Israelites are inspired by his words.

Act 4: The Broken Idol

'Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken to pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.' (Jeremiah 50:2)
Scene 1: The royal apartments, Babylon

Nabucco awakens, still confused and raving. He sees Fenena in chains being taken to her death. In despair, he prays to the God of the Hebrews. He asks for forgiveness, and promises to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and convert to Judaism if his prayers are answered ("Dio di Giuda" / "God of Judah!"). Miraculously, his strength and reason are immediately restored. Abdallo and loyal soldiers enter to release him. Nabucco resolves to rescue Fenena and the Israelites as well as to punish the traitors.

Scene 2: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Fenena and the Israelite prisoners are led in to be sacrificed ("Va! La palma del martirio" / "Go, win the palm of martyrdom"). Fenena serenely prepares for death. Nabucco rushes in with Abdallo and other soldiers. He declares that he will rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem and worship the God of the Israelites, ordering the destruction of the idol of Bel. At his word, the idol falls to the ground of its own accord and shatters into pieces. Nabucco tells the Israelites that they are now free and all join in praise of Jehovah. Abigaille enters, supported by soldiers. She has poisoned herself. She begs forgiveness of Fenena, prays for God's mercy and dies. Zaccaria proclaims Nabucco the servant of God and king of kings.

Venue Info

Opera Bonn - Bonn
Am Boeselagerhof 1

Opera Bonn (Oper Bonn) is the premier destination for the opera in a city famous for its historical contribution to classical music. The venue is part of the wider complex Theater Bonn and has an in-house operatic ensemble. View world-class performances of famous opera productions here, as well as intimate shows and little-known composers. See the Italian greats or treat the family to a fun-filled classical music experience. Admire the futuristic architecture of the mid-century venue and learn about its cutting-edge designers, Klaus Gessler and Wilfried Beck-Erlang.

Notice the distinctive design of Opera Bonn as you stroll along the downtown banks of the Rhine River. Sitting on the banks of the Rhine, the building’s exterior is covered in a fish-scale façade. The building was completed in 1965 to replace the war-damaged Baroque palace of Boeselager Hof. Stroll across the venue’s courtyard and walk through its entryway. Mingle with other patrons or have a pre-theater drink before heading into the auditorium.

This spacious venue can accommodate 1,024 patrons. Find your seat and look up at the magnificent lighting structure above. This unique lighting is designed in the form of the Milky Way and was created by the Otto Piene, who also designed the chandelier in the foyer. You might see a special performance by the venue’s operatic ensemble or the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn. After the show, make your way into Bonn’s historic downtown for a meal or drink at one of the local bars.

There is a program of guided tours that highlight the stage technology and behind-the-scenes operations that ensure every show goes smoothly. Inquire ahead of time to see if English-language tours are available during your visit to the opera.

Opera Bonn is located east of the city’s historic downtown on the banks of the Rhine River. Bus and railway stations are located within a few minutes’ walk and parking is available in nearby downtown parking lots. Book your tickets online or at the Theater Bonn box office.