Two stunning vocalists are featured in a new production of the Massenet’s strongest and most involving tragedy. Tenor Ramón Vargas, “a creamy-voiced singer who floats high notes easily” (The New York Times), returns to San Francisco Opera in one of his signature roles, a poet who cannot bear the pain of unrequited love.
World-renowned British mezzo-soprano Alice Coote sings Charlotte, and “spares nothing in emotion, vocal energy and heartbreak” (The Observer of London). Francisco Negrin directs San Francisco’s new production. Conductor Emmanuel Villaume brings to life the exotic swirl of Massenet’s music, eliciting “a properly French sound” from the orchestra (Chicago Tribune).
Two stunning vocalists are featured in a new production of the Massenet’s strongest and most involving tragedy. Tenor Ramón Vargas, “a creamy-voiced singer who floats high notes easily” (The New York Times), returns to San Francisco Opera in one of his signature roles, a poet who cannot bear the pain of unrequited love.
World-renowned British mezzo-soprano Alice Coote sings Charlotte, and “spares nothing in emotion, vocal energy and heartbreak” (The Observer of London). Francisco Negrin directs San Francisco’s new production. Conductor Emmanuel Villaume brings to life the exotic swirl of Massenet’s music, eliciting “a properly French sound” from the orchestra (Chicago Tribune).
ACT I
In the garden of his home, the bailiff is teaching his younger children a Christmas carol. A widower and father of a large family, he reminds them that their elder sister Charlotte is within earshot and will not be pleased with their performance. His two friends, Johann and Schmidt, come to lure him away for an evening at the local inn, but he says he must first see Charlotte safely off to a ball given by friends in the town. She is being escorted by Werther, an idealistic young man, in place of her fiancé Albert, who is away on business. The bailiff promises to meet his friends later and they leave as Werther comes to call for Charlotte. Overcome by the rustic charm of the surroundings, Werther extols the beauties of nature. On being introduced to Charlotte, he is immediately struck by her warmth and innocent beauty and dreams of passing a life of happiness at her side. They leave for the ball. Charlotte’s sister Sophie, remaining at home to take care of the children, insists that her father go to meet his friends. When all have left and Sophie is alone, Albert returns unexpectedly, eager to see his betrothed and to know what has been happening during his six months’ absence. Not finding Charlotte at home, he leaves, promising to return the next day.
Charlotte and Werther return from the ball lost in each other. She tells him of the shock of her beloved mother’s death, and Werther declares his love. The bailiff’s voice interrupts announcing Albert’s return, and Charlotte tells a stunned Werther of her promise to her dying mother to marry Albert.
ACT II
Three months later, Albert, Charlotte, and Werther have become very good friends. It is Sunday before a service, which will be followed by the celebrations for the pastor’s 50th wedding anniversary. Before entering the church with Charlotte, to whom he has been married for three months, Albert asks her if he has succeeded in making her happy and receives her assurances. Contemplating them from a distance, Werther is again distraught at the idea that another man is her husband. Albert tells Werther that he feels almost guilty in his happiness, knowing that Werther himself must have been attracted to Charlotte. Werther assures him that he has forgotten that dream. They are interrupted by Sophie who arrives eager for the festivities, and Albert tries to make Werther aware of her obvious interest in him. Charlotte leaves the church, having found renewed strength in prayer, to be met by Werther’s unhappy reminiscences and increasingly passionate declarations. Her resistance is at the breaking point, so she orders him to leave until Christmas. Alone, Werther contemplates suicide and rushes away, to Sophie’s distress. As the celebrations begin, Charlotte and Albert discover Sophie crying, and Albert now realizes that Werther loves his wife.
ACT III
Alone on Christmas Eve, Charlotte is obsessed by the thought of Werther as she rereads his many letters. Sophie enters, but her attempts to cheer her sister only result in Charlotte breaking into tears. Alone again, Charlotte desperately prays to God for strength. Werther appears; after Charlotte assures him that nothing has changed in the house since he left, he laments, “nothing but the hearts.” However, Charlotte’s reaction as he recites one of their favorite poets betrays her, and Werther, overjoyed, passionately embraces her. Charlotte, horrified at her momentary weakness, banishes Werther forever, leaving him alone and determined on suicide. Albert enters after Werther’s departure and is suspicious of Charlotte’s behavior. They are interrupted by Werther’s servant who comes asking for the loan of some pistols since his master is leaving on a long journey. Albert orders Charlotte to give them to the man, but as soon as she is alone, she rushes after Werther hoping to prevent a tragedy. Charlotte arrives too late. She can do nothing except declare her love. Werther dies in her arms, while from the distance comes the sound of the children’s Christmas carols.
- Approximate running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes including one intermission
- Sung in French with English supertitles
- Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Company Sponsors Mrs. Edmund W. Littlefield and John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production.
- Production photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
- Cast, program, prices and schedule are subject to change
High-definition video projection screens will be featured on the balcony level for this performance. Learn more
