Oz opera’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ is a family affair

Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and Gretel had its origins as a family affair. Humperdink’s sister Adelheid Wette asked him to set to music four folk songs from the fairytale by the Grimm brothers, for her children to sing. It turned out to be the perfect base for a comic opera that Humperdinck was aiming to write. The first performance at a Wette family soiree was a great success and the completed score was premiered at a performance conducted by none other than Richard Strauss, in 1893.

The Oz Opera New South Wales Schools Company performs Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel in a performance for patrons and friends of Opera Australia, and their families. The fully staged production is suitable for students from Prep to Year 6. After the performance, the cast will talk to the children and answer their questions.

Seating is limited. Doors open 1/2 hour prior to the performance. Adults will be seated in the rear of the studio and children will sit on the floor in the front.  To book by Friday 4th May contact:

Emma Kersey on 02 9318 8330 or emma.kersey@opera-australia.org.au or

Ailsa Eckel on 02 9318 8333 or ailsa.eckel@opera-australia.org.au

Tickets: Child $5, Patron/Friend: $10, Non-member $15.