“Va, pensiero” by Seattle Opera

One of Verdi’s most beloved melodies, the famous chorus “Va, pensiero” from “Nabucco” serves as a sort of unofficial national anthem in Italy. In the opera the Hebrews, languishing in captivity in Babylon, remember their beloved homeland in Zion with longing and seek the strength to endure their suffering and exile. Carlo Montanaro conducted the chorus and orchestra of Seattle Opera on opening night of the Seattle premiere of "Nabucco," August 8, 2015. Photo by Philip Newton.