The Irish National Opera returns to the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday April 27 with an unmissable romantic opera Werther, Massenet’s masterly and nuanced portrayal of hopeless love.
INO’s artistic director Fergus Sheil says: “Italian tenor Paride Cataldo who sings Werther has a voice to dream of and he is matched with one of the most exceptional Irish artists, Niamh O’Sullivan, as Charlotte. Massenet’s music is truly remarkable for its musical richness and emotional depth.”
Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan adds: “Charlotte has been my number one dream role for as long as I’ve been singing professionally. Vocally, Charlotte’s music in Werther is an absolute treasure, with its long and luscious lines for the mezzo voice contrasting beautifully with occasional leaps up to high notes. Charlotte is a young woman in emotional torment and I am so enjoying this first opportunity to delve deep into her confused and heartbroken self.”
Director Sophie Motley says: “Werther has glorious soaring arias and great moments of passion, pleasure and pain, but it also digs into rural isolation, the performance of masculinity and the pain of unrequited love. It touches on things that we all understand in contemporary Ireland – the need for companionship, what happens when your best friend is with the person you love, and most of all the joy of family.”
Werther is conducted by Philipp Pointner and features the INO orchestra and chorus.
Werther plays for one night only at 8pm on Thursday April 27. Tickets are available from tht.ie
