Werther - Royal Opera House

Werther

Jules Massenet’s opera “Werther” will be making its way to the stage of the Royal Opera House as part of its 2011 season of shows. At a time when the venue is also putting on productions like “The Tsar’s Bride” and Aida, Werther will give opera lovers the opportunity to witness the work of the famous French composer.

With the wonderful libretto from Edouard Blau, Georges Hartmann and Paul Milliet, plus a conductor in Antonio Pappano, it is likely to be a show that attracts many people eager to witness some talented minds come together, with opera tickets likely to be hot property.

“Werther” is a famous tale about requited love and the reactions to hopes and dreams that are unfulfilled. It is based on the novel by Johan Wolfgang von Goethe “The Sorrows of Young Werther” and follows the young Werther as he pines for the affections of Charlotte, only for her to fall back on her mother’s wishes to marry Albert, sending Werther away with some dark contemplations.

The opera was penned in 1887 and would later premiere in Vienna in 1892. Since then it has appeared on stages worldwide, with the US premiere in March 1894 and the UK premiere following in June.

And now it returns to the Royal Opera, where it will welcome Sophie Koch to the role of Charlotte and Rolando Villazón to the role of Werther, whilst Audun Iversen portrays Albert. For those wishing to witness a memorable operatic work, they can’t do wrong with “Werther”.

It appears at the Royal Opera House from Thursday 5th May 2011 to Saturday 21st May 2011.