YourClassical
Minnesota Opera

Werther from Minnesota Opera

James Valenti as Werther, a poet
James Valenti as Werther, a poet in the Minnesota Opera production of Werther
Michal Daniel/Minnesota Opera

Tune into Classical MPR on Wednesday, February 27 at 8 p.m. to hear Minnesota Opera's staging of Massenet's Werther with the pairing of international opera stars James Valenti and Roxana Constantinescu.

Overflowing with yearning and heartbreaking melancholy, Massenet's most romantic tragedy is inspired by a true story of unrequited love originally penned by the genius of modern German literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Werther is the story of the idealistic poet of the same name who cannot live without love, and the object of his obsession, Charlotte.

Music by Jules Massenet
Libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet and Georges Hartmann
Based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (1774)

Creative Team:
Conductor — Christoph Campestrini
Stage Director — Kevin Newbury
Set Designer — Allen Moyer
Costume Designer — Jessica Jahn
Lighting Designer — D. M. Wood

The Cast:
Werther, a poet — James Valenti
Charlotte — Roxana Constantinescu
Albert, her betrothed — Gabriel Preisser
Sophie, Charlotte's sister — Angela Mortellaro
Le Bailli, Charlotte's father — Joseph Beutel
Schmidt, his friend — John Robert Lindsey
Johann, his friend — Rodolfo Nieto
Brühlmann, a young man — Mark Thomas
Käthchen, a young woman — Alison Schardin

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

In the Minnesota Opera’s season finale, ‘La Boheme,’ a group of friends and lovers in Paris find love and joy amid the hardship and struggle of a life in pursuit of art. Listen as host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast about this exciting production!

13:43
Listen: Minnesota Opera blends dark comedy with social commentary in Mozart's 'Don Giovanni'
Listen: Explore Minnesota Opera's 'The Elixir of Love' with its cast

Listen: Explore Minnesota Opera's 'The Elixir of Love' with its cast

In the Minnesota Opera’s latest production, ‘The Elixir of Love,’ Nemorino, a young villager, uses a zesty elixir to try and win the heart of the beautiful Adina. Listen as host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast about this exciting production and access on-demand audio from the concert now!

14:32
Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti’s romantic comedy ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’ 
2:24:28
Explore Minnesota Opera's 'Cruzar la Cara de la Luna' with its performers
Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Watch as Minnesota Opera baritone Andrew Wilkowske takes us for a ride on the Great Big Wheel at the Minnesota State Fair! Opera's in the air, with ‘Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra’ from Mozart's ‘Don Giovanni.’

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Featuring some of the most popular music ever to grace the opera stage, Minnesota Opera’s ‘Carmen’ brings every aspect of Georges Bizet’s thrilling tale to life, from its tantalizing beginning to its devastating climax. Listen to audio from YourClassical MPR’s recent broadcast now.

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'Barber of Seville'
2:35:26
Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'La Cenerentola'
Listen: Minnesota Opera brings 'Albert Herring' to life

Listen: Minnesota Opera brings 'Albert Herring' to life

After a year of no performances, tenor David Portillo returned to the stage in the spring for Minnesota Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Albert Herring.’ Listen now to YourClassical MPR’s encore broadcast of this remarkable production.

VIEW ALL EPISODES