Hänsel und Gretel

Our program features Humperdinck's most popular opera: Hänsel und Gretel

Roles

Peter, broom-maker - baritone

Gertrud, his wife - mezzo-soprano

Hansel, their son - mezzo-soprano

Gretel, their daughter - soprano

The Gingerbread Witch - mezzo-soprano

Sandman, the Sleep Fairy - soprano

Dewman, the Dew Fairy - soprano

Chorus of echoes - three sopranos, two altos

July 7th - August 4th

BOA celebrates its season with Hänsel und Gretel

Why perform it?

It's a great piece for focusing on clear German language. The work is performed often in Germany, and invoking the historic cornerstones of theater, is an excellent piece in which to connect the past and future of acting.

History

Humperdinck composed Hänsel und Gretel in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892. The opera was first performed in Hoftheater in Weimar on 23 December 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss. It has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances and today it is still most often performed at Christmas time. Humperdinck described it as a Märchenoper (fairy-tale opera). The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, based on the Grimm brothers' fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel".

Premiere

Hansel and Gretel was first conducted in Weimar by Richard Strauss in 1893, followed by its Hamburg premiere on 25 September 1894, conducted by Gustav Mahler.

Hänsel und Gretel is frequently performed world wide.