Toronto City Opera (TCO) has announced its return to live performances, beginning its 2021-22 season with two in-concert showings Verdi’s Nabucco on November 13 and 19. Although the opera is commonly performed worldwide, it is infrequently performed in Toronto due to its scale and the costs of mounting a fully staged production. TCO is partnering with TLN Media Group as the Presenting Sponsor of its 2021-22 season.
Nabucco’s throughline is enslavement, personal tragedy and human sacrifice, following the biblical story of the enslavement of the Hebrews by the Babylonians and their subsequent liberation. Nabucco is Verdi’s third opera and his first great success, its narrative is both universal and timely.
TCO Artistic Director Jennifer Tung will conduct, accompanied by Music Director Ivan Jovanovic at piano, and Suzanne Yeo as assistant conductor. Soloists include Michael Robert-Broder as Nabucco, Cristina Pisani as Abigaille, Dylan Wright as Zaccaria, Lillian Brooks as Fenena, Lauren Estey as Anna, and Corey Arnold and Daevyd Pepper as Ismaele (Arnold on Nov 13, Pepper on Nov 19). The production will also feature a 40-person community chorus.
Lauren Estey (Anna), Cristina Pisani (Abigaille), Daevyd Pepper (Ismaele), and Dylan Wright (Zaccaria) in rehearsal for Toronto City Opera’s Nabucco. Photo: Toronto City Opera
“Music is a universal language. It knows no boundaries and unites people of different cultures globally,” said TLN Media Group President Aldo Di Felice. “We have been avid supporters of the arts for decades and proudly share the Toronto City Opera’s passion for providing an opera experience for everyone.”
As part of TCO’s partnership with the Rossini Opera Festival, the company plans to host auditions for the selection of singers for the for the annual “Alberto Zedda” Rossiniana Academy in Pesaro in March. Their 2021-22 season will also include a fully staged production of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana in June.
Tickets to Nabucco are $40, and are available for purchase here. For those unable to join in person, TCO will be recording a performance and making it available to stream on-demand at a future date.
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Angela Bell is Opera Canada’s Digital Media Specialist. She has held digital and PR roles with various businesses including the Walt Disney Company, Sullivan Entertainment and Toronto International Film Festival.
