Werther in the sky at Opernhaus Zürich

Benjamin Bernheim (Werther)

Rihab Chaieb (Charlotte) and Benjamin Bernheim (Werther)

Benjamin Bernheim (Werther) and Rihab Chaieb (Charlotte)

Benjamin Bernheim (Werther)

Rihab Chaieb (Charlotte) and Audun Iversen (Albert)

By Laura Servidei, 25 January 2024

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“a comprehensible and tangible portrayal of Werther's descent into the abyss of unrequited love”

Reviewed at Opernhaus, Zurich on 23 January 2024

Massenet, Werther

Zurich Opera

Giedrė Šlekytė, Conductor

Tatjana Gürbaca, Director

Klaus Grünberg, Set Designer, Lighting Designer

Silke Willrett, Costume Designer

Orchester der Oper Zürich

Kinderchor der Oper Zürich

Claus Spahn, Dramaturgy

Benjamin Bernheim, Werther

Rihab Chaieb, Charlotte

Sandra Hamaoui, Sophie

Audun Iversen, Albert

Valeriy Murga, Le Bailli

Martin Zysset, Schmidt

Andrew Moore, Johann

Zurich Opera Chorus

Ernst Raffelsberger, Choirmaster / chorus director

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Mengguang Huang, 28th March

Davide Livermore’s high-octane production transforms Handel into a lavish blockbuster. While the superstars shine, the relentless entertainment-first approach often sacrifices musical refinement and dramatic logic for Netflix-style spectacle.

***11

A Rosenkavalier in vivid hues opens the Zurich Opera season

Laura Servidei, 21st September

Lydia Steier stages Strauss’ masterpiece to open Zurich Opera’s first premiere under the new artistic direction – a triumphant success.

****1

Handel’s Serse as a quirky modern tale in Zurich

Laura Servidei, 29th September

Christophe Dumaux shines as Arsamene in Nina Russi’s enjoyable production of Handel’s masterpiece revived at the Opernhaus Zürich under the baton of Enrico Onofri.

***11

Anna Pirozzi shines as a queen bee Turandot

Laura Servidei, 3rd July

Anna Pirozzi and Piero Pretti bring Italian sunshine to Baumgarten’s confused production at the Opernhaus Zürich.

**111

A feast for the eyes and ears: Lehár’s Merry Widow in Zurich

Thomas Schacher, 20th February

Barrie Kosky stages the famous Viennese operetta as a whirlwind spectacle. Marlis Petersen shines in the title role vocally and theatrically. Michael Volle does not live up to expectations.

****1

All at sea: Herzog's nautical Pearl Fishers at Opernhaus Zürich

Laura Servidei, 29th June

The Opernhaus Zürich revives a 2011 production of Bizet’s second most famous opera, with Javier Camarena as Nadir.

***11

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Laura Servidei

Mathematician, science nerd, translator of popular science books, obsessed opera fan since the teen years. Day job: business analyst in a software house developing systems for the financial industry. Amateur choral singer. Main musical interests: baroque music and Italian opera. Originally from Italy, currently based in Sweden. I make a mean eggplant parmesan.