This week the Teatro San Carlo is performing a new production of “Nabucco” featuring international superstars, including Marina Rebeka.

Over the years, Rebeka has built a career singing Bel Canto and making a signature of “Norma” and Donizetti’s major heroines. Over the years she has slowly moved into the Verdi repertoire, singing many of the composer’s early roles and mastering their uniquely complex coloratura. Now she takes on what is arguably the most the difficult role from the composer, Abigaille.

In a recent interview with OperaWire, Rebeka said she approached it with her voice and decided to do it now because it was the right circumstance. She said, “I mean, for me was very important where, with whom, who’s conducting and what are the circumstances. I mean, Napoli is a big challenge because, you know, so many operas were written here and the people know the traditions and everything.”

Rebeka has slowly developed her repertoire and has become acclaimed for her Verdi roles especially “La Traviata,” “Il Trovatore,” and “I Vespri Siciliani,” among many others.

For those not in Napoli for her debut, Rebeka is also slated to Cherubini’s “Médée” later this season as well as “Aida” and “Il trovatore.”

Recordings 

To hear other Verdi interpretations listen to the soprano’s recordings of “La Traviata,” “Simon Boccanegra,” and “Luisa Miller.”

And here she is as Abigaille: