Friday, August 3 and Monday, August 6, 7:30 p.m.
Music: Jules Massenet · Libretto: Blau, Milliet and Hartmann
English translation: Norman Tucker

Breault

Alkema

Pine*

Madison*

Colaneri

The poet Werther is caught in a classic romantic dilemma. He loves beautiful Charlotte, but she has promised her dying mother to marry the worthy Albert. Werther's unrequited love sets this moving drama in motion. The opera is based on Goethe's semi-autobiographical The Sorrows of Young Werther (pronounced VARE-TARE), a novel which started a wave of "Werther Fever" throughout Europe when it was published in 1774. Young men dressed just as the tragic poet was described in the novel and there followed a wave of copycat suicides. Goethe's career was made! Jules Massenet, one of the most popular French composers of the late 19th century, captured the passion, romance and heartache of the original with gorgeous melodies and rich orchestration. Robert Breault, a Chautauqua favorite (Rodolfo in La Boheme, Edgardo in Lucia of Lammermoor, Alfredo in La Traviata and the title role in Stiffelio) returns as Werther. Charlotte is portrayed by former Chautauqua Opera Young Artist mezzo-soprano Keri Alkema (Erika in last season's Vanessa). This new production is staged by Artistic/General Director Jay Lesenger. Werther will be a season highlight and a Chautauqua Opera event not to be missed.

† Chautauqua Opera debut
* Chautauqua Opera Young Artist