Hansel & Gretel

by Engelbert Humperdinck, libretto by Adelheid Wette

“The energetic and colourful opera performance of the well-loved children’s fairytale was a sweet pleasure…”
Daily Telegraph: Eliza Barr, Thursday 25 February 2016

An Opera Australia production.
Performed in English. A school’s touring production 2016.

Music and Libretto adaptation by Tim Sexton and Ian Bone
Originally devised by Christine Anketell

Revival DIRECTOR: SALLY BLACKWOOD
Musical Director: MICHAEL CURTAIN
Designer: RICHARD ROBERTS
Pianists: Michael Curtain & Bradley Gilchrist

Hansel: Emily Barber; Angela Hogan
Gretel: Belinda Dalton; Jessica Westcott
Mother / Witch / Fairy: Belinda Dalton; Angela Hogan
Father: Jared Lilehagen; Eugene Raggio

HANSEL & GRETEL was written by 19th century composer Engelbert Humperdinck, who described it as “a fairytale opera”. The libretto was written by the composer’s sister, based on the famous Brothers Grimm story of the same name. It has many songs familiar to families around the world, the most famous being the Abendsegen (“Evening Benediction”) from Act 2. The opera was first performed in Weimar, Germany in 1893, conducted by the celebrated composer Richard Strauss. This was followed by a Hamburg premiere the following year, conducted by the equally renowned composer, Gustav Mahler. Its timeless appeal may be attributed to the story’s classic themes of children seeking independence and adventure, overcoming fear, finding comfort in family, and through the opera’s beautiful, easy-to-sing melodies that bring to life this enduring fairy tale.

REVIEWS:
Daily Telegraph: Eliza Barr, Thursday 25 February 2016
broadwayworld.com / Opera News Desk

MEDIA RELEASE
Opera Australia Media Release February 2016