Nabucco Reviews

Australian baritone David Wakeham has a gloriously even sound which he uses to wonderful effect in Verdi's long melodies. His compatriot Maria Pollicina has a thrilling top register and some excitingly boomy chest notes. The smaller roles are excellent too, with Andrew Rees mellifluous as the tenor love interest Ismaele, and Paulo Pecchioli tormented as the doom-and-gloom Hebrew leader Zaccaria. Brad Cohen's conducting is energetic and flexible. As if this isn't enough, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which funds the company, has provided an acoustically spectacular new canopy and new comfortable seating this year. For my money, Opera Holland Park is now the most exciting summer season in the country.
Warwick Thompson, Bloomberg

Musical standards are high with Maria Pollicina in powerful voice as the daughter of the resonant David Wakeham's menacing monarch. Brad Cohen wrings authentic Verdian passion from the City of London Sinfonia as the fine tenor of Andrew Rees's Ismaele and mezzo of Kristina Hammarstrom's Fenena distinguish the subplot
Anthony Holden, The Observer

A provocative season opener. The force of the opening chorus and the physical power of the stage blockings made for an arresting start to director John Fulljames' high octane production. The communal fervour of the opera really came across. Just as Verdi pulled out all the stops to bring us 'on message', so too did this company. David Wakeham's impressive Nabucco gave us the dignity and distinction that his faithless daughter lacked. His was ultimately the voice of reason in an audacious and ballsy evening.
Edward Sekerson, The Independent

John fulljames's audacious staging... as absurdist as his imagery is, the sight of these clowns bullying the terrified Hebrew slaves into cages is more unsettling than the Holocaust imagery that has been cheapened in previous productions of this work. Wakeham's transition from despot to convert is deeply felt.
Anna Picard, Independent on Sunday

David Wakeham's is a performance of genuine stature... there is no doubting the dramatic conviction of Maria Pollicina. With Brad Cohen coaxing warmth and energy from the CLS, Nabucco gives the new theatre a rousing welcome.
Nick Kimberley, Evening Standard

Conductor Brad Cohen conveyed the character of the opera ? with its stirring nationalistic anthems contrasted with religious supplications to be saved ? to perfection.
Dominic McHugh, MusicalCriticism.com