The Royal Opera presents a stunning new production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel – the perfect operatic treat for the festive period. This exquisite adaptation of the well-known Brothers Grimm fairytale is staged by director and designer Antony McDonald, who crafts a picture-book production to bring this darkly enchanting story to vivid life.
The Royal Opera’s new production marks 125 years since Hansel and Gretel’s premiere on 23 December 1893, when Richard Strauss conducted the opera’s first performance in Weimar, and began the work’s close and enduring association with Christmas. Humperdinck's score combines irresistibly catchy folksongs with a lyrical overture and orchestral interludes that are marvels of rich, late-Romantic orchestration.
Renowned conductor and General Music Director of Frankfurt Opera, Sebastian Weigle, makes his Royal Opera debut conducting Hansel and Gretel, with a cast led by former Jette Parker Young Artists mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp as Hansel and soprano Jennifer Davis as Gretel, and featuring tenor Gerhard Siegel as the Witch.
Hansel and Gretel opens at the Royal Opera House on 13 December 2018, with subsequent performances on 17, 21, 27 and 29 December 2018. The Royal Opera presents a Schools’ Matinee performance of Hansel and Gretel on 11 December 2018, supported by The Taylor Family Foundation.
HANSEL AND GRETEL
13, 17, 27 December 2018 at 7.30pm
21 December 2018 at 12.30pm
29 December 2018 at 11.30am
Co-production with San Francisco Opera
Generous philanthropic support from Yvonne and Bjarne Rieber, the Sitzprobe Circle and the Friends of Covent Garden.
Sung in German with English surtitles
Suitable for children aged 6+
Tickets available from the Royal Opera House website and Box Office
(+44 (0)20 7304 4000)
