UBC Opera: Hansel and Gretel

FAIRY TALE OPERA IN THREE ACTS
SUNG IN ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH SURTITLES

Engelbert Humperdinck | Composer
Adelheid Wette | Librettist

UBC Opera Ensemble
Jacques Lacombe | Conductor
Nancy Hermiston | Director
With Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

Download Program

In 1891, Engelbert Humperdinck’s sister Adelheid Wette asked him to write some music to go with a story she had written as a Christmas gift for her children, based on the Grimm brothers’ popular fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” What started as a few musical sketches quickly grew into a full-scale opera, becoming a Christmas gift for generations – one that is still beloved today, by children and adults alike!

Bring your whole family to watch as this familiar fairy tale is brought to life with music inspired by folk songs – with a dash of whimsy that sets the stage for the magical happenings at work. Tap your toes as the young Hansel and Gretel dance merrily in their cottage, and commiserate as their Mother comes home to discover the chores left undone. As the children head into the enchanted forest, prepare to dreamily sigh as they sing the beautiful Evening Prayer, before discovering the greatest magic of all: a house entirely made of gingerbread! But behind this delicious magic lurks the dangerous Witch, intent on turning the children themselves into treats. Will the resourceful Hansel and Gretel find their way out of the Witch’s clutches? Of course they will – after all, it’s Christmas!