The opera “Werther” by Jules Massenet is the musical adaptation of Goethe’s epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. The premiere took place in 1892 at the Vienna State Opera.
The new La Scala production in collaboration with the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées now marks the debut of French conductor Alain Altinoglu at La Scala.
His name stands for outstanding musical interpretations and thrilling performances. Christof Loy, the director, is distinguished by his intelligence, taste and theatrical intuition and has worked at major theaters and festivals around the world, from Paris to London to Salzburg.The collaboration between Alain Altinoglu and Christof Loy promises a captivating and artistically demanding production of “Werther” at La Scala in Milan and can look forward to an impressive musical performance and sensitive staging that fully express the emotional and dramatic facets of the story.
Story of Werther by Jules Massenet
The opera “Werther” by Jules Massenet is based on the epistolary novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Set in the 18th century, the action tells the tragic story of Werther, a sensitive young man who falls madly in love with Charlotte, his friend Albert’s fiancé.
The first act takes place at a Christmas party, where Werther meets Charlotte for the first time and is immediately drawn to her beauty and grace. However, he learns that she is already engaged to Albert. Though Charlotte shares her feelings for Werther, she chooses to stay true to her commitment to Albert.
In the second act, Werther suffers from his unrequited love for Charlotte. He visits her regularly and her closeness makes him both happy and unhappy at the same time. Charlotte tries to suppress her feelings for Werther to stay true to her connection with Albert.
In the third act, Werther’s love for Charlotte escalates. He writes her a letter confessing his passion, but Charlotte rebuffs his advances, stating that she cannot betray her duties to Albert. Werther falls into deep despair and decides to end his life.
In the fourth act, which takes place in winter, Charlotte meets Werther, who has been badly injured. He asks her to hug him before he dies. Charlotte grants his wish and Werther bids her a loving farewell before he dies.
“Werther” is a poignant opera that explores the emotional highs and lows of love. Massenet’s music powerfully expresses the passion, longing and despair of the main characters and draws the viewer into the tragic fate of Werther.
Cast and Creative Team of Werther
Drame lyrique in four acts
Libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet and Georges Hartmann
Teatro alla Scala New Production
Co-production with Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Teatro alla Scala Orchestra
Treble Voices Chorus of the Teatro alla Scala Academy
Conductor • Alain Altinoglu
Staging and Choreography • Christof Loy
Sets • Johannes Leiacker
Costumes • Robby Duiveman
Lights • Roland Edrich
Cast
Werther • Benjamin Bernheim
Albert • Jean Sébastien Bou
Le Bailli • Armando Noguera
Schmidt • Rodolphe Briand
Johann • Enric Martínez-Castignani
Bruhlmann • Pierluigi D’Aloia (Student of the Teatro alla Scala Academy)
Charlotte • Victoria Karkacheva
Sophie • Francesca Pia Vitale
Katchen • Elisa Verzier
Booking Process of the Opera Package
Music trip to Milan with premium tickets for the performance Werther for 3 days with 2 nights in a hotel in Milan. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
Performance Dates Werther
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In Milan at Teatro alla Scala