For a concert presentation, the characters were remarkably vivid. Alejandro Roy was a forthright Ismaele; beside him Helen Medlyn an intensely human Fenena.
Together they are brilliant foils for Paoletta Marrocu's Abigail, despatching villainry via fearless coloratura, complete with a death-defying two-ocatve leap from a top C. Throughout, there was the utter confidence that reveals the authority of experience.
Sebastian Catana as Nabucco came up with the most finely shaded performance of the evening, culminating in his eloquent Fourth Act prayer.
Again, we benefitted from another singer familiar with the role on the opera stages of Europe - the American baritone is Nabucco for Stuttgart Opera next year.
Smaller roles were gracefully taken by locals, Anna Leese and Ben Makisi, although Grant
Dickson's quavering High Priest of Baal was a liability.
Above all, the evening was a testament to Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra,
navigating Verdi's music with unflagging energy while giving due care and attention to the more delicately scored passages such as the cello accompaniment to Zaccaria's prayer.
With all the nervousness engendered by the current government's orchestral review,
the APO proves yet again that they can present first-rate artistry to a community that values and appreciates it.
What: Nabucco, with the Auckland Philharmonia
Where: Auckland Town Hall
