Verdi’s “Nabucco” Resonates with Respectful Production in Bogotá
BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA - A recent production of Giuseppe verdi’s Nabucco at the Julio Mario Santo Domingo Theatre garnered praise for it’s faithful interpretation and strong vocal performances, signaling a growing maturity in Colombia’s operatic landscape. Led by musical director Yeruham Scharovsky and featuring the Symphony of Colombia, the staging by Pedro Salazar notably avoided unnecessary alterations to the original work, a decision lauded by critics.
The production, which concluded recently, distinguished itself through a commitment to honoring Verdi’s vision. Salazar’s scenery, while abstract, successfully avoided distracting from the narrative, with the exception of a curious, yet not detrimental, inclusion of an Assyrian winged lion within a Jewish temple setting. the success hinged on powerful performances, notably from soprano Verónica Dzhioeva as Abigail, who effectively conveyed the character’s complex blend of power and cruelty, and baritone fabián Veloz, alongside bass Morris Robinson as zacarías, demonstrating both musical and dramatic strength.
Supporting roles were also well-executed, with Andrés Carrillo and Colombian Andrea Niño delivering solid performances as Ismael and Fenena, respectively. Soloists from the colombian choir, Julián Usama figueroa and Vanessa Rose, contributed meaningfully in comprimario roles, highlighting the choir’s growing capabilities – a development that fuels hopes for future ambitious productions like Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov, a work heavily reliant on choral strength.
The performance marks a positive moment for Colombian opera, demonstrating both a respect for classic works and the emergence of a capable ensemble ready to tackle demanding repertoire.
