This new production of "Nabucodonosor" represents another jewel in Music Director Maestro Riccardo Chailly's comprehensive and passionate exploration of Verdi's complete works, with which he concludes his profound engagement with the composer's early operas. The triumphant success of "Nabucodonosor" at La Scala in 1842 marked Verdi's definitive, unstoppable breakthrough and forged a deep, emotional connection between the Milanese theater and the burgeoning spirit of the Italian unification movement, the Risorgimento. The new staging, under the visionary direction of the established South African talent Alessandro Talevi, who has fascinatingly reconnected with his Italian roots, will lovingly integrate the divertissements composed by Verdi for the 1848 Brussels revival. The cast is truly top-tier, featuring Luca Salsi as Nabucodonosor, the charismatic Anna Netrebko as Abigaille, Francesco Meli as Ismaele, Michele Pertusi as Zaccaria, and Veronica Simeoni as Fenena. An absolutely central and deeply moving role is also played by the legendary Teatro alla Scala Chorus, which will transform the iconic "Va, pensiero" into an unforgettable and uplifting experience.

The program follows a well-established tradition: a first part featuring purely orchestral performances is followed by a second part dedicated to the great arias and choruses of Italian opera. As every year, the celebration culminates in Verdi's "Va, pensiero" from Nabucco and the spirited drinking song "Libiamo ne’ lieti calici" from La Traviata – a musical toast to the year ahead.