 However, Bossi's political party, Lega Nord/Padania, has adopted "Va, pensiero" as its official hymn and the chorus is now sung at all party meetings.In 2011, after playing "Va, pensiero" at a performance of "Nabucco" at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome, conductor Riccardo Muti made a short speech protesting cuts in Italy's arts budget, then asked the audience to sing along in support of culture and patriotism.Verdi composed "Nabucco" at a difficult moment in his life.