World-Class Voices in Leading Roles

The commanding title role of Nabucco, the King of Babylon, will be sung by George Petean—one of today’s most distinguished Verdi baritones. Born in Cluj-Napoca, Petean has performed leading roles at such revered institutions as the Vienna State Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Zurich Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Bavarian State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Arena di Verona, and Milan’s legendary Teatro alla Scala.

The character of Nabucco is based on a historical figure — Nebuchadnezzar II, the second king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and builder of the famed Ishtar Gate. A towering figure of the 6th century BC, he led the conquest of Judah and orchestrated the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.

In the formidable role of Abigaille, Nabucco’s adopted daughter, audiences will witness the brilliance of soprano Oksana Dyka. Renowned for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Dyka frequently appears in title roles such as Turandot, Aida, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera, Arena di Verona, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and other leading opera houses worldwide.

The role of Fenena, Nabucco’s biological daughter, will be portrayed by Azerbaijani mezzo-soprano Elmina Hasan. She most recently captivated audiences with this role in Paris in 2024, performing alongside the legendary Plácido Domingo. Her spellbinding voice has earned her international acclaim at venues including La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London.

The young and charismatic Venetian tenor Riccardo Gatto will appear as Ismaele, the nephew of the King of Jerusalem. Widely considered one of the most gifted tenors of his generation, Gatto brings a captivating presence and vocal brilliance to this pivotal role.

Nabucco unfolds through two interwoven narratives: one chronicling the descent into madness and miraculous recovery of the Babylonian king, and the other depicting the tragedy and resilience of the Jewish people in exile.

About Nabucco

At just 27 years old, Giuseppe Verdi had resolved never to compose again, plunged into a deep personal and artistic crisis. In this moment of despair, he was persuaded by his agent to read the libretto of Nabucco — and from this reluctant beginning emerged an opera that would not only transform his life but help awaken the soul of a nation.

The opera’s most iconic moment, the chorus of the Hebrew slaves, “Va, pensiero,” gives voice to an indomitable yearning for freedom and homeland. Inspired by the suffering of the Jewish people, Verdi’s music would go on to resonate far beyond its historical setting, becoming a timeless anthem for national identity and liberation.

The golden-winged thought of Psalm 137 soars from ancient Babylon and Israel to the heart of 19th-century Europe — and still echoes today.

By the spring of 1842, all of Milan was singing “Va, pensiero.” The opera quickly spread to the most illustrious theatres across Europe and made its American debut soon after. The Hungarian premiere followed in January 1847 at the National Theatre in Budapest.

Featuring: The Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kodály Choir Debrecen

Conductor: István Dénes

July 24, 2025, Thursday at 8:00 PM
(Rain date: July 25)
Running time: 150 minutes (with one intermission)

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Margaret Island Open-Air Stage