Metropolitan Opera Kicks Off Artist's Choice Series

Tenor Lawrence Brownlee selects Massenet's "Werther" from 1979 for next 4-week program

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Metropolitan Opera is launching its new Artist's Choice series, where leading opera stars will select operas from the Met's archive to be performed over the next four weeks. For the inaugural program, acclaimed tenor Lawrence Brownlee has chosen Massenet's "Werther" from a 1979 performance featuring renowned Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus in the title role.

Why it matters

The Artist's Choice series allows opera fans to experience classic productions hand-picked by today's top singers, providing a unique perspective on the Met's vast repertoire. Brownlee's selection of the 1979 "Werther" recording highlights the work of an acclaimed 20th century tenor in one of the most emotionally complex roles in the French operatic canon.

The details

Massenet's "Werther" from February 3, 1979 features Alfredo Kraus in the title role, with Régine Crespin as Charlotte and Renato Capecchi as Albert. The production was conducted by Serge Baudo. Kraus was renowned for his elegant, nuanced portrayals of French lyric tenor roles, and his performance in "Werther" is considered one of his signature interpretations.

  • The Metropolitan Opera's Artist's Choice series begins on February 7, 2026.
  • The 1979 performance of "Werther" selected by Lawrence Brownlee will be performed for the next 4 weeks.

The players

Lawrence Brownlee

An acclaimed American tenor who has chosen the 1979 production of Massenet's "Werther" to kick off the Metropolitan Opera's new Artist's Choice series.

Alfredo Kraus

A celebrated 20th century Spanish tenor who performed the title role in the 1979 production of "Werther" selected by Lawrence Brownlee.

Régine Crespin

A renowned French soprano who sang the role of Charlotte opposite Alfredo Kraus in the 1979 "Werther" production.

Serge Baudo

The conductor who led the 1979 performance of "Werther" that is being featured in the Metropolitan Opera's Artist's Choice series.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to kick off the Met's new Artist's Choice series by selecting one of my all-time favorite operas, Massenet's Werther. Alfredo Kraus' performance in this 1979 production is simply unforgettable.”

— Lawrence Brownlee, Tenor (WFMT)

What’s next

The 1979 performance of "Werther" selected by Lawrence Brownlee will be performed at the Metropolitan Opera for the next 4 weeks as part of the new Artist's Choice series.

The takeaway

The Metropolitan Opera's Artist's Choice series allows today's leading opera stars to shine a spotlight on classic productions from the company's vast archive, giving audiences a unique perspective on operatic masterpieces through the lens of the performers themselves.