Friends in the Roanoke area: Please join me at Virginia Western Community College

tomorrow, Saturday, January 7. The live broadcast of Nabucco begins at 12:55, and I'll

introduce Verdi's first hit opera starting c. 12:30 PM.

In addition to the rare chance to see and hear Domingo essay yet another new (baritone) role, Nabucco is conducted by Met Music Director Emeritus, James Levine. Members of Hokie Nation are celebrating another alum's accomplishment, too. Former VT music major, Danielle Talamantes returns to the MET to play Anna, the sister of Zaccaria, the "High Priest of the Hebrews", and Verdi's first great basso profondo role.

In fact, Nabucco is an opera of firsts: it was Verdi's first success, and it's the first whose leading couple are a defining example of the Father - Daughter relationship. Hope to see you tomorrow at the show!