Werther, the young poet. Charlotte, the woman he loves. And his best friend Albert, to whom she is engaged. Massenet transforms the triangle of Goethe’s hugely influential novel of impossible love into a hauntingly gentle and lyrical opera that sensitively traces the unfolding of a hopeless passion. So hopeless that, when Charlotte’s hot and cold feelings cause her to turn away from Werther yet again, tragedy cannot be averted.

Italian tenor Paride Cataldo sings the title role, with Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, who starred in INO’s Olivier Award winning production of Bajazet (2022), as Charlotte. Full cast includes baritone Charles Rice as Albert, soprano Sarah Shine as Sophie and baritone Wyn Pencarreg as Le Bailli, with tenor Eamonn Mulhall as Schmidt and baritone Owen Gilhooly-Miles as Johann. Philipp Pointner conducts the Irish National Opera orchestra.

Pre-Opera Conversation

Delve deeper into the background of opera with Irish National Opera’s free talk series, taking place at Lime Tree Theatre at 7pm on Saturday 29th April. 

The talk takes a closer look at Massenet’s Werther, exploring the music and the context in which it was created. In this free event, get the chance to meet key artists involved in producing the opera and hear about their process in realising the work. The conversation is led by Irish National Opera executive director Diego Fasciati, who will be in conversation with Werther conductor, Philipp Pointner.

The event will last approximately 30 mins and takes place one hour prior to live performances of the opera. Tickets are free but booking is required. Please contact the Box Office by calling 061 953 400, or emailing boxoffice@limetreetheatre.ie to reserve a place. Meeting point on the evening: Lime Tree Theatre Box Office.

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