The final opera for 2015-16 season at the Creston Valley Public Library will be on May 28 and feature Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco. The opera is a 2002 recording of a Metropolitan Opera production with conductor James Levine.
The opening scene is Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, where the Israelites are praying for protection from the army of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar, or Nabucco, conquers the city and instructs the master of eunuchs to bring some of the physically and intellectually superior prisoners to his court. Nabucco has a troubling dream, which is interpreted by one of these prisoners, Daniel. From then on, Daniel is in the king’s favour. From his privileged position, Daniel admonishes Nabucco for lack of humility and idolatry.
Nabucco’s daughter Fenena is a hostage of the Hebrews. She has helped Ismaele, nephew of Nabucco, escape from prison in Babylon. The couple is in love. But Fenena’s half sister, Abigaille, also loves Ismaele. A story of deception and intrigue follows.
Spanish baritone Juan Pons performs the title role. Samuel Ramey is the high priest and Maria Guleghina sings the role of Abigaille. Welsh tenor Gwyn Jones and U.S. mezzo-soprano Wendy White are the young lovers.
The DVD showing starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
—BY JULIE EWASHEN
