First performed at La Scala in 1842, “Nabucco” solidified Giuseppe Verdi’s stature and reputation as one of the greatest opera composers of the 19th century. This Saturday, January 25th, “Nabucco” returns to the Arsht Center for the 2013-2014 season of the Florida Grand Opera after three decades. “Nabucco” at Florida Grand Opera.

“I am proud to bring ‘Nabucco’ to Florida Grand Opera for the first time in 32 years. The themes of this piece will resonate with the many diverse communities in South Florida,” said Susan T. Danis, General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera. “This production will be an exciting one and thrilling for both first timers and opera lovers.”

The Biblical story inspired Temistocle Solera to write the libretto for “Nabucco,” where the human drama and tragedy of politics, religion and love converge. Solera’s “Nabucco” mirrors the plight of the Jews exiled from their homeland by King Nabucco, or Nebuchadnezzar, but the story also taps into our own personal experiences with love and loss. In the end, “Nabucco” is about roots and what we do when we are ripped out of our homes.

The highlights of the opera is the chorus “Va pensiero,” which specifically expresses the Hebrew slaves’ longing for their homeland. It also connects to this larger longing for the return to that intangible homeland in our minds.

“Verdi, he’s my favorite,” said Maria Guleghina who performs the role of Abigaille. “All my life I’ve sung a lot of Verdi—eighteen of his operas. Everything is very heroic, very clear ideas-for love, for honesty, for country.”

Miami performances are at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Performances run January 25-February 1. Ft. Lauderdale performances are at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. 5th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale from February 6-8. For tickets, visit www.fgo.org.