The Peterborough Players air The Met-Live in HD transmission of Verdi’s “Nabucco” on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. with Grammy Award-winning host Angel Blue.

“Nabucco” is a drama about the fall of ancient Jerusalem at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco). The first part takes place around the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E, with the remainder of the opera set in various locations in the city of Babylon.

The chorus is assigned a major role, giving voice to a wide spectrum of feelings, from terror at the beginning to despair, faith and finally hope. “Va, pensiero” encapsulates the communal sentiment in which the Israelites express their longing for their homeland.

In his Met role debut, Georgian baritone George Gagnidze stars as Nabucco, the imperious king of Babylon, alongside Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska reprising the role of his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Singing the lovers Fenena and Ismaele are Russian mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova, in her Met role debut, and South Korean baritone-turned-tenor SeokJong Baek, in his company debut.

Ukrainian bass Dmitry Belosselskiy repeats his portrayal of the high priest Zaccaria, and Italian Daniele Callegari conducts the performance of Verdi’s third opera, which catapulted the 28-year-old composer to international fame.

Habib Azar directs the Live in HD presentation for cinemas, with Blue providing exclusive behind-the-scenes access and conducting interviews with the cast and creative team during intermission.

A light lunch can be purchased at the theater., Opera Bites by Sarah Precourt Catering will be available starting at noon and during intermission.

Tickets are $27. For information, visit peterboroughplayers.org/nabucco.html.