A NORTH-EAST opera group will be joining forces with Durham University students to put on a workshop performance of Verdi’s Nabucco.

The concert will be staged by the Tees Valley-based Opera Nova at The Penthouse, Collingwood College, Durham, at 5.30pm on Sunday, March 8.

Nabucco is based on Old Testament Bible stories about the plight of the Jews as they are attacked, conquered and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar).

The opera contains a wealth of wonderful solos, ensembles and choruses, including everyone’s favourite – the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.

Opera Nova have presented a number of very successful concerts both in Durham City and more recently in St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth.

This is the first time they have been joined by Durham University students.

Opera Nova musical director Richard Bloodworth said: “This is an exciting new venture for all of us and we hope it may be just the start of other collaborative activities.

“Our concert performance of Nabucco in Stockton earlier this year was very well received and we are delighted to have the opportunity to sing it again for a different audience and a different age group.”

The title role of Nabucco will be sung by Bill Lewis while his counterpart, Zachariah will be performed by Arthur Berwick.

The two will be supported by Durham based soprano Mary Coffield (Abigail), Alan Phelps (Ishmael), Ruth Lackenby-Jones (Fenena) and Paulina Rossi (Anna).

The Opera Nova Chorus, enhanced by student voices, is accompanied by Alison Gill.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from Opera Nova members or by contacting 01642-807033 or 07872-339167. University students will be admitted free of charge.