Sarah Gilford makes her debut at the Royal Opera House
soprano Sarah Gilford makes her long-awaited debut at the royal opera house singing the role of sophie in massenet's werther
The young British soprano Sarah Gilford will appear on the main stage of the Royal Opera House in London, singing the role of Sophie, the younger sister of Charlotte, the lead. Despite being married, Charlotte falls in love with another but must try to be faithful to her husband and look after her younger siblings in the absence of their mother who recently passed away. This timeless classic returns to the Royal Opera House stage in a revival of Benoît Jacquot’s production. This devastating tragedy is one of the most performed operas in the world, and we cannot wait to be transported to the heady romanticism of Massenet’s imagination in this beautiful period masterpiece.
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In the run-up to the show, the Royal Opera House have released the latest episode of their Insights series, featuring interviews with the main cast, including Sarah Gilford, as well as performances and other discussions. Click the link below!
watch insights:werther below
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Sarah Gilford has already received some unparalleled reviews, hailing her beautiful sweet tone and perfect control. Read the latest review below!
OperaWire Review
British soprano and Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Sarah Gilford makes her debut here as Sophie, a delightfully sweet soprano who positively enchants and entrances. Her entreaties to Werther in Act two, ‘Du gai soleil, plein de flamme’ were utterly endearing, delivered with an almost ‘Snow-White’ charm and sweetness, whilst still managing to avoid saccharinity. Her gentleness and joie de vivre are almost palpable and one is left wondering how even Werther, entrenched as he is in his misery, could decline a dance with this beauty.
Likewise, her interactions with Charlotte in Act three after the latter has finished reading the letters from Werther, her compassion and concern for her older sister is tangible and she sings here with wonderful poignancy.
CAST
Conducted by Antonio Pappano
Werther - Jonas Kaufmann
Charlotte - Aigul Akhmetshina
Albert - Gordon Bintner
Sophie - Sarah Gilford
The Bailli - Alastair Miles
Schmidt - Christophe Mortagne
Johann - James Cleverton
Käthchen - Gabrielė Kupšytė
Chorus - Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra - Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
UPCOMING performances
20TH June 2023 | 6.45pM | main stage, royal opera house
Werther - Massenet
Sarah Gilford as ‘Sophie’
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23rd June 2023 | 7.15pM | main stage, royal opera house
Werther - Massenet
Sarah Gilford as ‘Sophie’
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25th June 2023 | 3pm | wigmore hall
Mahler, Strauss, Müller-Hermann, Grainger, Britten, Bray, Herbert, and Dring
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28TH June 2023 | 7.15pM | main stage, royal opera house
Werther - Massenet
Sarah Gilford as ‘Sophie’
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1st july 2023 | 7.15pM | main stage, royal opera house
Werther - Massenet
Sarah Gilford as ‘Sophie’
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4th july 2023 | 7.15pM | main stage, royal opera house
Werther - Massenet
Sarah Gilford as ‘Sophie’
Find Out More HERE