(Photo: MOF)

Macerata Opera Festival’s (MOF) 62nd season opened with a new production of Verdi’s “Nabucco” featuring videos of natural aesthetics that illuminated Sferisterio Arena’s historical grounds and Macerata, Italy’s rich and vibrant culture. Belgian Stage Director Paul-Émile Fourny made his MOF debut and conductor Fabrizio Maria Carminati led a stellar cast including Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar as Nabucco, Alessandro Scotto di Luzio as Ismaele, Alberto Comes as Zaccaria, Anastasia Bartoli as Abigaille, Laura Verrecchia as Fenena, Renzo Ran as High Priest of Baal, Simone Fenotti as Abdallo, Alessia Camarin as Anna, FORM-Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana, Chorus Coro Lirico Marchigiano “Vincenzo Bellini“ with Chorus Director Christian Starinieri, and the on-stage ensemble – AMS – Helvia Recina Ensemble.

(Photo: MOF)

Production Details

Video designs by Mario Spinaci showcased moments of warm stone walls that blended in with the 3D set designs by Benito Leonori which rotated minimally across the stage platform’s large rectangle space, making the performance feel like part of Sferisterio Arena’s already captivating presence. The projections highlighted Verdi’s enthralling score especially during the large choral moments when blue and white crested waves were shown washing over of the singers’ bodies.

Other highlights include images of armor clad soldiers storming the stage and projections of fire that engulfed the arena’s back wall with infinite flames. While these videos were shocking in the moment, they never took away from Verdi’s music. This production is an excellent example of how video projections can enhance an audience’s perspective instead of distracting them. One could tell the choices of video durations and layers of projection mapping were very well thought-out beforehand.

Members of the creative team also included Costume Designer Giovanna Fiorentini, Choreographer Giorgia Leonardi, Lighting Designer Ludovico Gobbi, Assistant Director Rudolf Buchmann, Assistant Set Designer Lodovico Gennaro, and Assistant Costume Designer Tatiana Ragusa.

The set designs were also minimal yet provided just enough dimension to the stage so that singers could transition between scenes without complication. This seamless effect made the production flow naturally and the overall duration of the opera felt mindful. The singers moved freely in the space and took their time reflecting on their surroundings during arias which made everything come together through Verdi’s score.

(Photo: MOF)

Stellar Cast

Mongolian baritone Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar as Nabucco gave an outstanding performance that evolved his role through inner reflection and his own personal search for a higher purpose. Ganbaatar’s voice resonated clearly and fully in the arena’s space especially during “Chi mi toglie il regio scettro,” “Donna chi sei?,” “Oh! di qual onta aggravasi,” “Son pur queste mie membra,” and “Dio di Giuda!.” His voice increased in intensity and deeper meaning as his search revealed what his soul was seeking most–peace and resolve through humanity’s embracing the divine.

Ganbaatar created a bridge of emotional connection to the opera. His Nabucco generated direction and his voice carried the weight of responsibility and determination to transcend his own understanding which ultimately leads his people to freedom and unity. The most notable vocal highlights of Ganbaatar’s performance included his excellent Italian diction and vocal agility. His musical phrasing was aligned with empathic intelligence and grounded in technical skill the entire time.

Italian soprano Anastasia Bartoli as Abigaille was masterful in her role. Her voice and presence made this opera come to life especially during her aria “Ben io t’invenni…Anch io dischiuso un giorno.” She portrayed Abigaille as strong and determined in her journey of seeking the truth about humanity. Her voice was full bodied and dramatic with glittering top notes and a balanced middle register especially during her Act three duet with Nabucco, “Donna chi sei?.” Her final aria, “Su me morente esanime,” was mesmerizing. Her voice as she sang “Te chiamo … te Dio … te venero …
non maledire a me …” was extremely moving. Bartoli’s vocal range and precise intonation set the bar high in this production.

Mezzo-soprano Laura Verrecchia as Fenena was another major highlight of this production. Her Act four aria “Oh! dischiuso e il firmamento” was grounded in notable vocal technique and a warm middle range. She made this role her own and the audience applauded her generously.

Tenor Alessandro Scotto di Luzio as Ismaele gave a notable performance during his solo entrance “Che si vuol.” His voice projected clearly into the arena and this piece was haunting in its delivery with the chorus especially.

Italian bass-baritone Alberto Comes as Zaccaria sounded radiant during “Sperati o figli!…D’Egitto la sui lidi…Come notte a sol fulgente.” His lyrical voice was powerful and aligned with his excellent cast of colleagues. His Act two aria, “Vieni o Levita…Tu sul labbro dei veggenti” was extraordinary in its delivery. His Act three aria, “Oh! chi piange di femmine imbelli…Del futuro nel buio discerno,” was breathtaking.

(Photo: MOF)

More Cast & Musical Highlights

Bass Renzo Ran as High Priest of Baal sounded full bodied and resonated throughout the arena especially during his duet with Abigaille, “Chi s’avanza?…Salgo gia del trono aurato.” Tenor Simone Fenotti as Abdallo and soprano Alessia Camarin as Anna were well poised in their roles.

Conductor Fabrizio Maria Carminati led the FORM-Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana, Chorus Coro Lirico Marchigiano “Vincenzo Bellini,“ and cast with high energy and precision. His intelligent direction made this production unforgettable and the voices of the chorus were absolutely thrilling with the guidance of Chorus Director Christian Starinieri. This was a grand opening of a remarkable festival season in Macerata. Verdi’s “Nabucco” resonated in all its glory under the stars with this new production. The arena was sold out and the audience applauded in generous enthusiasm at the curtain call.