The long-awaited premiere of “Vertheros” at the National Opera took place with particular emotion and received warm applause on Thursday, March 23, 2023 in the packed Stavros Niarchos Hall at the SNFCC.

The audience adored all the actors of the production and especially the two protagonists, Francesco Demuro in the role of Werther and Anita Ratchvelisvili who made her debut in the role of Charlotte.

The production, under the musical direction of Jacques Lacombe and directed by Spyros A. Evagelatos, is realized with the support of the donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to strengthen the artistic extroversion of the National Opera.

Jules Massenet’s masterpiece, which is based on Goethe’s epistolary novel, tells the dramatic story of the dead-end love between the young Werther and Charlotte. From its premiere in 1892 until today, “Vertheros” remains one of the most popular operas in the French repertoire, as Massenet’s melodic inspiration is particularly rich.

The National Opera revived the tasteful 2014 production directed by Spyros A. Evagelatos and sets and costumes by Giorgos Patsos, two leading artists of Greek theater and opera who are no longer with us.

The revival was directed by Ion Kesoulis, while Tota Pritsa was responsible for the sets and costumes. The video projections were designed by Irini Vianelli and the lighting by Melina Masha.

For the two leading roles, the National Opera invited two leading singers with international recognition. In the role of Vertheros, the distinguished Italian tenor Francesco Demuro impressed with his stage performance and vocal abilities, a few months after his impressive appearance in the recent Rigoletto of the ELLS at Herodeo.

The long-awaited debut of the role of Charlotte was made by the leading mezzo Anita Ratchvelisvili, who enchanted the audience with her unique performance.

High-level interpretations were given in their roles by the protagonists of the ELS, Chrysa Maliamani, Nikos Kotenidis, Giannis Giannisis, Nikolas Maraziotis, Marinos Tarnanas, who also received warm applause.

On the podium, the internationally acclaimed Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe highlighted the special qualities of Massenet’s music, achieving a great performance by the ELLS Orchestra, the Children’s Choir and the protagonists. The ELS Children’s Choir was directed by Konstantina Pitsiakou.