Joyce DiDonato & Piotr Beczala to Perform Excerpts from ‘Werther’ Via Live Stream

Joyce DiDonato and Piotr Beczala will present excerpts from Massenet’s “Werther” from Didonato’s living room. DiDonato and Beczala announced that on March 15 they will sing excerpts accompanied by harpist Emmanuel Ceysson and pianist Howard Watkins. DiDonato announced the news via Instagram and Facebook and added, “Tune in and consider throwing some support to artist funds (to be listed!) www.facebook.com/JoyceDiDonatoOfficial” {…}

Oct 30, 2019

Wiener Staatsoper Announces Cast Change For ‘Werther’

The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its performance of Massenet’s “Werther on Oct. 31, 2019. The theater announced that Ileana Tonca will sing the role of Sophie, replacing Daniela Fally who is ill. Tonca has been a member of the Wiener Staatsoper ensemble since 1999, where she debuted as Jemmy in “Guillaume Tell” and has since performed {…}

Oct 28, 2019

Vienna State Opera 2019-20 Live Stream: Vittorio Grigolo Stars in ‘Werther’

The Vienna State Opera will live stream “Werther” on Oct. 31, 2019. Massenet’s masterpiece will feature Vittorio Grigolo in the title role with Elena Maximova as Charlotte and Daniela Fally as Sophie. Adrian Eröd rounds out the cast as Albert. Frédéric Chaslin conducts a production directed by Andrei Serban. The stream kicks off at 7:30 p.m. local time. That’s around {…}

Aug 8, 2019

Royal Opera House 2019-20 Preview: Juan Diego Flórez & Isabel Leonard Headline Massenet Masterpiece

Juan Diego Flórez is set to return to the Royal Opera in the title role of Massenet’s “Werther.” The opera production by Benoît Jacquot will be revived for the third time since its debut in 2004 production. Flórez will sing the role following acclaimed performances at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Opernhaus Zurich. He will be joined by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard {…}

May 12, 2019

OperaWire’s Favorite Operas By Jules Massenet

Jules Massenet was born on May 12, 1842 and would go on to become arguably the most impactful French composer of the Romantic era. When we look at the standard repertory, Massenet’s place is firmly locked in with two of his works among the greatest ever created. In celebration of his birthday, some of our writers came together to muse {…}

Apr 25, 2019

Aida Garifullina Out of Met Opera’s ‘Werther’

Aida Garifullina will no longer be performing in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019-20 production of “Werther.” Despite being originally announced to perform the role of Sophie when the Met Opera’s season was announced, the official website no longer lists her among the cast members for the Massenet opera, which will be conducted by the Met Opera’s music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This {…}

Mar 18, 2019

How To Watch ‘Werther’ Live From Bergen National Opera Via OperaVision

Jules Massenet’s “Werther” will be showcased live from the Bergen National Opera via Operavision’s live streaming service. The stream kicks off at 7 p.m. local time on March 22. That’s around 2 p.m. EDT and 11 a.m. PST for the start time. It will be available for repeat viewings on Opera Vision until April. 21, 2019. Edgaras Montvidas will star {…}

Jan 2, 2019

Florida Grand Opera Celebrates New Years With BOGO Sale

The Florida Grand Opera has announced that it will celebrate the new year with a BOGO sale. The company announced that if you purchase one full price ticket to Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” or Massenet’s “Werther,” ticket buyers can get another ticket for $20.19. The BOGO sale has already started and is set to expire at midnight on Jan.6, {…}

Sep 24, 2018

Vienna State Opera 2018-19 Live Stream: Dmitry Korchak Stars As ‘Werther’

For the fourth installment of its live stream series, the Vienna State Opera will showcase Massenet’s wondrous “Werther.” The Friday night performance on Sept. 28, 2018, will feature Dmitry Korchak in the title role. He will be sharing the stage with Sophie Koch, who has made Charlotte one of her defining roles. Clemens Unterreiner will also appear in the performance. {…}

Aug 28, 2018

Operas Based on the Works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born on August 28, 1749, is one of the great German writers in history. Unsurprisingly, his literary prowess has inspired a wide range of operatic works, many of which are staples of the canon. Here is a survey of operas based on the works of Goethe. Faust Goethe’s masterwork is undeniably the source of many operas. {…}

May 12, 2018

Composer Profile: Jules Massenet, The Chameleon Composer

Jules Massenet, born on May 12, 1842, is arguably the chameleon of all opera composers, his style evolving to suit the text rather than imposing a specific musical style to every work. This ability makes him, for many, the greatest French composer of opera to ever live. He studied under Ambroise Thomas in his youth, won the country’s top musical {…}