Washington National Opera: Werther
Considered one of Massenet's finest works, with a lush score of tragically beautiful music, Werther tells a tale of forbidden love that can only end tragically.
- May 12 - 27, 2012
- Opera House
- 2 hours, 30 minutes
- $25.00 - $300.00
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About
Jules Massenet's Werther
Libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet, and Georges Hartmann
Adapted from a novel by Goethe
Original Production from Opera Australia owned by Opéra de Montréal
Love holds Werther captive, with only one means of escape.
One hundred twenty years after the opera's premiere, Werther is celebrated as one of Massenet's finest works, with a lush score of tragically beautiful music. The young poet Werther has fallen desperately in love with the beautiful Charlotte. When he discovers that she is honor-bound to marry Albert, he tries to stay away, but his passion draws him back to her. In despair, Werther decides the only way he can find peace is through death.
Italian tenor Francesco Meli makes his WNO debut as the lovelorn poet Werther, and is joined by mezzo-soprano Sonia Ganassi as Charlotte. Their recent performances of these roles in Italy garnered praise for their chemistry and abilities as singing actors. Chris Alexander directs and WNO favorite Emmanuel Villaume returns to conduct Massenet's masterpiece. Sets designed by Michael Yeargen for Opera Australia. Costumes designed by Barilà for Opéra de Montréal.
Performed in French with English supertitles. Supertitles may not be visible from the rear of the orchestra.
The performance runs approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes, with one 20-minute intermission.
Opera Insight: Watch a free preview of Massenet's Werther and Verdi's Nabucco featuring members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.
Artist Q&A's follow the performances on: Mon., May 14 and Sun., May 27.
O-Zone Lecture: Free pre-performance lecture in the Opera House - Thu., May 17 at 6:15 p.m. Patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of this production.
Series O Lecture: Free pre-performance lecture in the Opera House especially designed for Generation O members and open to all Werther ticket holders - Fri., May 25 at 6:15 p.m. Patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of this production.
Libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet, and Georges Hartmann
Adapted from a novel by Goethe
Original Production from Opera Australia owned by Opéra de Montréal
Love holds Werther captive, with only one means of escape.
One hundred twenty years after the opera's premiere, Werther is celebrated as one of Massenet's finest works, with a lush score of tragically beautiful music. The young poet Werther has fallen desperately in love with the beautiful Charlotte. When he discovers that she is honor-bound to marry Albert, he tries to stay away, but his passion draws him back to her. In despair, Werther decides the only way he can find peace is through death.
Italian tenor Francesco Meli makes his WNO debut as the lovelorn poet Werther, and is joined by mezzo-soprano Sonia Ganassi as Charlotte. Their recent performances of these roles in Italy garnered praise for their chemistry and abilities as singing actors. Chris Alexander directs and WNO favorite Emmanuel Villaume returns to conduct Massenet's masterpiece. Sets designed by Michael Yeargen for Opera Australia. Costumes designed by Barilà for Opéra de Montréal.
Performed in French with English supertitles. Supertitles may not be visible from the rear of the orchestra.
The performance runs approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes, with one 20-minute intermission.
Opera Insight: Watch a free preview of Massenet's Werther and Verdi's Nabucco featuring members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.
Artist Q&A's follow the performances on: Mon., May 14 and Sun., May 27.
O-Zone Lecture: Free pre-performance lecture in the Opera House - Thu., May 17 at 6:15 p.m. Patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of this production.
Series O Lecture: Free pre-performance lecture in the Opera House especially designed for Generation O members and open to all Werther ticket holders - Fri., May 25 at 6:15 p.m. Patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of this production.
Artists
Francesco Meli, Werther
Sonia Ganassi, Charlotte
Emily Albrink, Sophie
Andrew Foster-Williams, Albert
Julien Robbins, Bailli
Tim Augustin, Schmidt
Kenneth Kellogg, Johann
Emmanuel Villaume, conductor
Chris Alexander, director
News and Reviews
Images
Watch and Listen
WNO Commentary: Werther 1/4: Act I (audio only)
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
WNO Commentary: Werther 2/4: Act II (audio only)
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
WNO Commentary: Werther 3/4: Act III (audio only)
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
WNO Commentary: Werther 4/4: Act IV (audio only)
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein offers his commentary on Massenet’s Werther, featuring insights about the music and history. Watch the WNO's production of Werther running from May 12th to May 27th, 2012. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics.
Werther Q&A - Recorded after the May 14, 2012 performance (audio only)
Listen to Christina Scheppelmann, WNO Director of Artistic Operations, and Scott Guzielek, WNO Artistic Administrator, interview Werther cast members and conductor, Emmanuel Villaume.
Listen to Christina Scheppelmann, WNO Director of Artistic Operations, and Scott Guzielek, WNO Artistic Administrator, interview Werther cast members and conductor, Emmanuel Villaume.
David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.
This event has already closed.
Please use the event calendar to search for current events.
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