Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Director Matthew Ozawa maintained an orderly traffic flow of more than 120 singers, choristers and extras, taking the opera Verdi wrote seriously, in a straightforward, essentially traditional production with modern design touches in the sets, costumes and projections."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...In many ways, Verdi's Nabucco defines "Grand Opera". Sweeping in musical scope, as well as in visual scale and creative concept; Nabucco was Verdi's first "big hit". The young composer had the libretto virtually thrust upon him by a promoter at La Scala who believed in Verdi's theretofore unrealized potential (and not incidentally, was looking to recoup his investment in Verdi's two previous, unsuccessful La Scala productions.) The decision to pursue Nabucco turned out to be a game changer for Guiseppe Verdi. The success of this single opera elevated his reputation in the music world of his time, allowing him to build a career and a body of work that has now spanned more than two centuries."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...Verdi was 28 when he wrote “Nabucco,” his gifts exploding in chaotic flower. With every scenic turn, you’re in the emotional territory of the composer’s iconic later creations. Early versions of the lovers in “Aida” are here. Foretold are “Don Carlos'” vengeful, betraying Eboli – and King Philip, lost in thought, with cello. Cruel Rigoletto, pleading desperately for his daughter, is suggested. So is Macbeth at the point of madness. And lovely Desdemona, unjustly accused, bidding life farewell in “Otello.” Truly, one can suspend the reality checks for this effusion of melody and dramatic intensity, because the great moments are here in abundance."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...The present production of Verdi's Nabucco is only Lyric Opera's third in a history lasting sixty-one years. Thus, Chicago audiences aren't likely to have the opportunity to hear it again for some time. If for this reason only, one must recommend it despite its substantial flaws."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This engrossing spectacle is a marvelous production that could be a perfect introduction for young folks and newbies to the wonders of opera. The captivating melodies, the power marches and anthems, with the enticing choral singing and the story will impress and enchant all who experience it. After seeing Nabucco, you'll see why Verdi impressed as a grand master composer with this work. Newbies will appreciate the stage craft of the creatives at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as one of the world's finest opera companies."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Serjan was the one shining light in last year's drab Tosca. She now comes back to Lyric for a stellar performance in the role of Abigaille, spurned lover, deceived daughter, and Old-Testament fury. Although she faltered slightly in her first number, she quickly began to spin her voice into a gold thread that is brightest the closer it comes to breaking. An act of magic, if there was ever one. Carlo Rizzi conducted a spirited and clean performance, but it was Serjan who time and again captured the night with bravura. Through her performance she seemed to suggest that, instead of Nabucco, Verdi would have done better in naming his opera Abigaille."
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Given that Nabucco has only come to Lyric three times now, this is worth recommending for the cast alone. Russians Dmitry Belosselskiy and Sergei Skorokhodov make exceedingly strong Lyric debuts as a bass and tenor respectively, all of it encapsulated beautifully in Carlo Rizzi's perfectly energetic Italian direction. It's still a stunner of a show, sure to conquer hearts even with flaws."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...The healing of the schism between people of warring faiths at this opera’s climax is an election year’s curative. And if Lyric’s fine chorus hasn’t lured you into humming “Va, pensiero” as you exit, you haven’t a heart."
