Werther

Werther, the impassioned title character of Massenet’s operatic adaptation of Goethe’s classic epistolary novel, seems a perfect fit for the exuberant Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo. Beloved by audiences for his glowing timbre and intense dedication to whichever character he portrays, Grigolo throws himself into this performance with the kind of romantic abandon befitting the deeply poetic character. As Charlotte, the conflicted object of Werther’s affections, mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard offers one of her most emotionally rich and vocally shattering performances to date. David Bizic brings a robust baritone to his role as Albert, Charlotte’s stern yet generous husband, and soprano Anna Christy sings with shimmering beauty as Charlotte’s kid sister Sophie. Edward Gardner conducts a plush performance of one of opera’s most expressive scores.