Director Daniele Abbado explores themes of identity, exile and religion in this powerful staging of Verdi’s epic opera.

Nabucco, King of Babylon, takes Jerusalem in his war with the Israelites – but his daughter Fenena loves the Israelite Ismaele. Setting the historical events of the plight of the Jews as the background for a romantic and political plot, internal conflict amasses to form an epic opera of vengeance, war and love.

Daniele Abbado’s production is set in the second half of the 20th century and explores the reality of conflict, where friend and enemy may become indistinguishable.

Broadly considered to be the opera which firmly established Verdi’s reputation as a composer, he said of it “this is the opera with which my artistic career really begins.” Throughout, the score blends rhythmic vitality and powerful drama, and is on a scale to do justice to the opera’s epic themes.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.