Werther

The story

The production was the Vienna State Opera debut for the young Swiss conductor Philippe Jordan – the Argentinian tenor Marcelo Álvarez, took the title role. His Charlotte on this occasion was the young Latvian mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča. Her performances have been enthusiastically received and she has already been labelled as the new mezzo wonder. Staged by internationally sought-after Rumanian director, Andrei Serban, the apparently sentimental love story – normally presented in 18th century period costumes - reveals a study of personal relationships and a close observation of a woman, who comes of age too late. Serban’s aim was to rid the opera of the unjustified reputation of banality that clings to it despite its underlying tragic mood. By setting the production in the stiff, claustrophobic atmosphere of a small town in the 1950s, he aimed to make the audience more aware of its deeper levels of self-denial.

Cast & crew

Marcelo ÁlvarezWerther

Elīna GarančaCharlotte

Adrian ErödAlbert

Ileana ToncaSophie

Alfred ŠramekLe Bailli

Peter JelositsSchmidt

Marcus Pelz

Marcus PelzJohann

Clemens Unterreiner

Clemens UnterreinerBrühlmann

Maria Gusenleitner

Maria GusenleitnerKäthchen

Philippe JordanSelf - Conductor

Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper

Orchester der Wiener StaatsoperSelf - Orchestra

Jules MassenetSelf - Composer