Met Opera Live's WERTHER Broadcast at Town Hall Theater, 3/15

The Metropolitan Opera has had a string of hit new productions lately, including a riotous Falstaff and a monumental Prince Igor. This most exciting of seasons continues with an acclaimed new production of Massenet's Werther, starring tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the title role.

Kaufmann's singing has been praised for its melting warmth and virile intensity. The New York Times has called him "the most in-demand, versatile and exciting tenor in opera." In Massenet's sublime adaption of Goethe's lush romance, Kaufmann plays Werther, an aimless and melancholic young man of the 1780s.

He's supported by French mezzo Sophie Koch in the role of the vulnerable Charlotte. Koch is currently one of the reigning mezzos in Europe, starring in major houses and praised for her plush voice and dramatic intensity. In Werther she makes her long overdue debut at the Met.

Werther will be screened live in HD at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Saturday, March 15, at 1 pm. Tickets are $24/$10 students and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (daily except Sunday, noon-5 pm) and at the door.

Town Hall Theater, in conjunction with the Opera Company of Middlebury, is now presenting free pre-show talks in the lower level gallery before each opera broadcast. Maestro Emmanuel Plasson, an expert on Massenet and French repertory who has conducted Werther on several occasions, will share his knowledge of the opera. His talk begins at 12:15. Coffee and snacks will be served.