NZZ Reader Tour: Parma - Verdi Festival Nabucco
This tour takes you into the world of the great musical dramatist Giuseppe Verdi. Visit his birthplace in Roncole, the Casa Barezzi and the Teatro Verdi in Busseto. In Parma, the impressive Teatro Farnese and the renowned Teatro Regio await you, where you will experience the opera «Nabucco» in a new production at the Verdi Festival – a highlight for opera lovers. You will be accompanied by the specialist expert Margitta Rosales, who completed her classical vocal studies with distinction at the Sofia State Conservatoire and will give you fascinating insights into Verdi's work. You will also enjoy the culinary highlights of the region and the charming atmosphere of Parma.
Dates and prices
Day 1: Switzerland – Parma
Journey via Milan to Parma. While you are on the road, your music tour manager will prepare you for the programme ahead. Lunch at a ristorante on Lake Lugano. Check-in and a delightful dinner at the elegant new Grand Hotel di Parma.
Day 2: Parma & Opera
In the morning, a guided walking tour of Parma. Among other sights, you will see the Baptistery, the Cathedral and the unique Teatro Farnese, surrounded by wooden tiers. Thanks to influential rulers, Parma was always wealthy and could afford particularly impressive architectural monuments. After an early dinner at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Teatro Regio, where the opera performance awaits you.
Day 3: Excursion in the Footsteps of Verdi
Full-day guided tour to Verdi's birthplace in Roncole, the Casa Barezzi, once the home of his patron and a treasure trove of historical memories, and the Verdi Theatre in Busseto. Lunch at a typical ristorante, the Vecchio Mulino in Roncole. Afterwards, return to Parma.
Day 4: Parma – Switzerland
A relaxed journey home with fond memories of music, culture and cuisine. Lunch at a Ticino grotto.
CarRouge
The Premium vehicles are state of the art and offer generous space: 3 luxury seats per row, individually adjustable headrests and an interior height of 2.10 m create a unique sense of space.
- 30 wide, luxurious Premium armchairs in a 2+1 seating layout
- Generous seat pitch of 90 cm
- Seat belts at every seat
- Height-adjustable footrest, adjustable backrests and armrests
- A unique sense of space thanks to an interior height of 2.10 metres
- Multichannel sound system at every seat, lane assist and adaptive cruise control
- Free Wi-Fi/internet in Europe
INCLUDED
- Travel by Car Rouge coach, 2+1 seating
- Music tour manager from/to Switzerland
- 3 x bed and breakfast (room/breakfast buffet)
- 2 x dinner including drinks
- 1 x good stalls seats for the opera
- 3 x lunch including drinks
- All admissions as per programme
- City tour of Parma
- Car Rouge audio system
Hotels
Grand Hotel di Parma *****
Welcome to the Grand Hotel di Parma - UNA Esperienze, where elegance meets comfort in the heart of Parma! Just 0.9 km from the lively city centre, this 5-star haven offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. With impressive amenities and an inviting atmosphere, you can look forward to a magical Italian stay.
Opera descriptions
Giuseppe Verdi: "Nabucco" – Dramma lirico in four parts
In the 19th century, Paris called the theatre pieces brimming with cruelty the "Boulevard du crime". Adaptations of biblical subjects were also popular. Verdi thus had Rossini's azione sacra "Mosè in Egitto" in mind when he set Temistocle Solera's libretto "Nabucodonosor" to music. The source is the Old Testament story of Nebuchadnezzar II, ruler of Babylon, who conquered Jerusalem in 597 BC, banished the people into exile in Babylon and destroyed Jerusalem around 586 BC.
The opera is set in Solomon's Temple, on the banks of the Euphrates in Babylon, and at the altar with the statue of Baal.
"Nabucco" premiered at La Scala in Milan on 9 March 1842.
Part One: Jerusalem. The Levites call on the maidens to lament against Nebuchadnezzar, King of Assyria. God gave the Jews a precious hostage: Fenena, the daughter of the godless king. The High Priest Zacharias entrusts her to the care of Ismael, nephew of King Zedekiah of Jerusalem. He has known and loved her since his time as Judah's ambassador in Babylon. He wants to let her escape. She warns him against violating his sacred duty. Her half-sister Abigail also once loved Ismael. She could save him among his people. Nabucco appears on his war horse before the disguised Babylonians. Zacharias confronts him with Fenena as a shield. Ismael intercepts the dagger thrust. She throws herself into her father's arms.
Part Two: The Impious One (L'Empio). Abigail recognises from a document that she is a slave and trembles at Fenena's accession to the throne. She is cursed by the priest of Baal. Zacharias curses Ismael. Nabucco throws himself between Abigail and Fenena and declares himself king and sole god. Fenena converts to Judaism. Thunder and lightning strike Nabucco's crown from his head. Divine judgement has been passed. Nabucco faints. Abigail seizes the crown.
Part Three: The Prophecy. Abigail sits on the throne. She demands the royal seal from the bewildered Nabucco and the signing of the death sentence for the Jews. Abigail tears up the document proving she is a slave and makes Nabucco her prisoner. On the banks of the Euphrates, the Jews lament in chains and sing of their former happiness in their homeland: "Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate".
Part Four: The Shattered Idol (L'Idolo infranto). Nabucco pulls himself together. His officer Abdallo hands him his sword. He wants to save Fenena and topples the idol in the temple of Baal. The Israelites shall return home! Abigail drinks the poisoned cup. Facing death, she confesses her guilt and acknowledges God as her Almighty. Nabucco becomes King of Kings in the service of Jehovah!
