Singer

Step through the forest and into the enchanting world of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, a timeless adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale that will captivate audiences of all ages. Brought to life by director/designer Antony McDonald in his company debut, this family-friendly production unfolds in a German romantic setting, full of dirndls, Alpine hats, and misty clouds.

EPSG:4326

Hansel and Gretel

Wortham Theater Center

Engelbert Humperdinck was actually only supposed to set to music a few passages from the fairytale play Hansel and Gretel , which his sister Adelheid Wette had written for a family performance. However, on the enthusiastic advice of his relatives, the small project developed first into a singspiel and finally into a full-length opera about the story of the siblings Hansel and Gretel. Growing up in poverty, their mother sends them into the forest to pick berries out of necessity. There they meet not only the Sand Men and the Dew Men, but also the witch who has sent shivers down the spines of countless children.

Staatstheater Mainz

The children are captured by the witch, but with courage and cunning they manage to outwit and defeat her. In the end, they find their way back home and are greeted by their relieved parents. The opera is full of magical moments, enchanting music and a timeless message about courage, solidarity and the victory of good over evil.

Hänsel und Gretel

Vienna State Opera

Engelbert Humperdinck's opera "Hansel and Gretel" is popular with young and old , especially during Advent and Christmas. This year, a special version for families will be presented, featuring Lindenbrass, the brass ensemble of the Staatskapelle Berlin. Ten musicians accompany and enrich the fairytale narrative with the sounds of Humperdinck's work, including all the familiar melodies and their inherent poetic magic.

Bebelplatz

In the fairytale forest, we encounter the familiar figures of the poor siblings who have lost their way as well as the Gingerbread Witch. The story comes to a head in the famous edible house, which is sweet on the outside but a death trap within. In 1893 Engelbert Humperdinck transformed the tale by the Brothers Grimm into a work which is probably the most famous fairy-tale opera in the repertoire.

Semperoper Dresden

The star of the evening: the tuba, which will make the Brucknerhaus shake at this concert! As a pioneer of his instrument, Andreas Martin Hofmeir proves that the tuba also works very well as a solo instrument in the classical concert hall. The brass instrument shows itself to be surprisingly versatile when Hofmeir plays Duda's tuba concerto and lets Vivaldi's famous Winter be heard not from the violin, but from the low brass.

Duda on the tuba with Andreas M. Hofmeir at the Brucknerhaus

Brucknerhaus

2nd Academic Concert 2025/26

Gewandhaus

He is the absolute superstar of the oboe, cor anglais, and oboe d'amore: Albrecht Mayer from Bamberg, principal oboe of the Berlin Philharmonic since 1992 and also a celebrated soloist and conductor, touring the world. He will be returning to us during Advent 2025. He will be bringing with him two beloved classics that are inextricably linked to Christmas: Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and music from Humperdinck's fairytale opera Hansel and Gretel . But it only becomes truly cozy and intimate when Albrecht Mayer plays his Bach arrangements—sometimes with choir participation: Christmas concerts couldn't be more beautiful, atmospheric, or festive!

Christmas With Albrecht Mayer

Meistersinger Hall

Hansel and Gretel, children of a poor broom maker and his wife, are sent into the woods one day by their mother to pick berries – as punishment for larking around instead of doing their chores. When their father arrives home bearing a bag full of treats after a successful working day, he berates his wife, because the woods are home to an evil witch. The parents set off to look for the kids, who have meanwhile filled their baskets but then eaten all the berries themselves out of sheer hunger. They also realise darkness has fallen and they’re lost, so they lie down for the night and say their prayers, falling asleep and having a strange and wonderful dream. In the morning they wake to see a cottage made of gingerbread and other sweetmeats. Nibbling at the house, they are surprised by the witch, who takes them captive, planning to bake the children in her oven. Instead, they play a trick on her and push her into her own oven. The spell is broken and all the children who had been transformed into gingerbread by the witch regain their human form. The pair’s parents appear and the reunited family returns home.

Deutsche Oper Berlin

For the tenth time in the long history of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace Theatre, the children's opera "Hansel and Gretel" will be performed. A 60-minute reduced version especially for children will be performed. The Webern Sinfonietta will perform in a production by Robert Simma.

Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel

Schönbrunn Palace

What could be better than magical fairy tales and romantic orchestral sounds at Christmas time? That's right: when "Die Gruaberin", Bavaria's funniest comedian, guides you through the world of fairy tales in her own unmistakable way. Don't miss this world premiere, in which Monika Gruber's cabaret Christmas program merges with symphonic masterpieces! Contemplative fairytale music and humorous, atmospheric stories about the Christmas season await you. We look forward to getting in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year together with you!

Monika Gruber Symphonic - Christmas program

Mozarteum Foundation

A long tradition of Christmas concerts connects the Regensburg Cathedral Choir and the Munich Radio Orchestra. And when the renowned lieder singer Benjamin Appl joins the choir, the former Cathedral Choir member meets "his" choir – the perfect setting for an atmospheric Wednesday evening with Christmas classics such as Peter Cornelius's "The Kings," the most beautiful excerpts from Bach's Christmas Oratorio, and many other heartfelt songs, choral pieces, and well-known melodies.

Christmas Classics

Prinzregententheater

After a night in the forest, far away from their parents, Hansel and Gretel can't believe their eyes: a house made entirely of gingerbread! At first the witch living in the house sounds quite friendly, but soon she shows her true colours: Hansel is locked in a cage. Will Gretel succeed in saving her brother?

Karl Dönch's production of Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy tale opera has lost none of its fascination over the years! The indispensable classic in the repertoire of the Volksoper never fails to thrill, complete with the witch's flight over the orchestra pit.

Volksoper Wien

Of course, it's much more fun to play than to help with housework! Hänsel and Gretel know that too. It's just a shame that they smash the milk churn during their boisterous games and ruin their dinner. What should the poor family put on the table now? The mother scolds her children and sends them into the forest to look for berries. However, what begins as an adventure soon turns serious at dusk: the siblings get lost and soon fall into the clutches of the wicked witch. Now they have to summon up all their courage and ingenuity to free themselves.

Theater Duisburg

German Oper am Rhein

For generations of children, Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" was and remains the first, unforgettable operatic experience. The story of the two broom-making children, chased from their home by their mother, wander fearfully through the forest until they reach a tempting witch's house, only to find themselves in even greater danger there, was loosely adapted into verse by the composer's sister, Adelheid Wette, based on the Grimms' fairy tales. Humperdinck, a composer stylistically close to Wagner, created enchanting music for the fairy-tale images, from the "Evening Blessing" to the Sandman's and Dewman's songs to the terrifying witch who has captivated children and adults alike since its creation.

Theater Lübeck

"Hansel and Gretel" is one of the most exciting stories of German Romanticism, contained in the famous collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. In the unsurpassed musical setting by the late Romantic composer Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921), it is also one of the most beautiful—for many, even "the" most beautiful—fairytale operas in all of musical literature. It appeals to both adult and young audiences and has provided many a first unforgettable operatic experience.

Community Center Unterschleißheim

Stadttheater Wels

Stadttheater

Youth Center Karlsfeld

Waitzinger Keller Cultural Center

Cultural Office at KUBIZ

Gather your loved ones for a magical holiday concert. ’Tis the season to tell stories and come together. Perfect for children and families, this concert invites you to share the wonder and joy of opera. Sung in English, hear the enchanting tale of Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, a long established winter tradition that dates back to its premiere just days before Christmas. OSO partners with Brew City Opera to offer the whimsical storytelling. The evocative music will create cherished memories, magic, and togetherness. 

Togetherness

Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra

Since its first performance in 1893, Humperdinck's most famous opera Hansel and Gretel has remained constantly popular, becoming over the generations almost synonymous with the first family visit to the opera. "Brother come and dance with me!“ – "Susie, dear Susie" – a dancing brother and sister, the Dew Fairy and the Sandman, the Witch and the parents: a collection of all the fairy tale elements of the 19th century. And yet this is also a tale of hardship, hunger and the desire for abundance with a clear moral: "When the need is greatest, God the Lord puts out His hand!“

Hänsel Und Gretel

Max-Joseph-Platz

“Crunchy, crunchy crunch, who’s going to crunch my house?”
Hanover's cult production of Hansel and Gretel is back—and here it is! Steffen Tiggeler's work has been on the State Opera's program since 1964, making it the longest-running production of this fairytale play, lovingly composed in Wagnerian style by Engelbert Humperdinck and with a nostalgic libretto by his sister Adelheid Wette.
Hansel and Gretel, the children of a broom-making couple, live in dire poverty. There's hardly any food on the table at home. So, while their father senses trouble, their mother sends them into the forest to gather berries. Hansel and Gretel get lost and fall into the clutches of the evil gingerbread witch, who wants to turn them into gingerbread and consume them herself. Gretel manages to outwit the gingerbread witch, who throws them both into the oven. In the happy ending, all the gingerbread children who had previously fallen into the clutches of the witch are freed. Father and mother also find Hansel and Gretel safe and sound.

Staatstheater Hannover

A colorful gingerbread house in the middle of the forest, in which two hungry children seek refuge. But there lives an evil witch with gruesome baking recipes. Engelbert Humperdinck's most famous opera is full of contrasts, both on stage and in the music. It combines traditional children's songs with Wagnerian orchestral sound, creating a magical soundscape that captivates both young and adult audiences alike. The fairy-tale opera, in which the siblings successfully overcome danger together, returns to the stage in the 2005 production by Jürgen Rose. It is conducted by the new Cologne General Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada.

Cologne Opera

“Don‘t you know the horrible dark place, don’t you know the evil one lives there?” Hastily, their parents set out for the woods to save Hansel and Gretel from the witch Rosina Leckermaul. As they feared, the children have got lost in the woods and found the gingerbread house. They cannot resist the sweet temptation – and fall straight into the trap of the witch, who likes children so much she could eat them up… literally.
As in most tales of the Brothers Grimm, in Engelbert Humperdinck’s setting of the fairytale all ends well: until that point, however, Humperdinck’s romantic music accompanies the children deep into the dark forest of legend. Here it invokes magical beings, calls on 14 angels to protect the siblings and allows the witch to ride her broomstick through the air.

Hamburg State Opera

When one of Europe’s most renowned boys’ choirs, the famous Regensburger Domspatzen, presents a Christmas programme with one of the leading baritones of our time, Benjamin Appl, then visitors can look forward to the highest quality and a special Advent concert. Famous chorales and motets will be performed alongside particularly beautiful Christmas carols such as »Es ist ein Ros entsprungen« und »Adeste fideles«. The concert will be performed largely a cappella, i.e. without an orchestra, and will get the audience in Hamburg in the mood for Advent in a contemplative and festive way. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Regensburg Cathedral Choir / Benjamin Appl / Christian Heiss

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

The MDR Radio Choir brings together singers from 13 different countries on four continents. Each country naturally has its own musical Christmas traditions, and so the idea arose to combine selections from this international repertoire in a chamber concert. Look forward to a colorful program, the first part of which opens with a musical setting of the Grimm fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," which is closely associated with the Christmas season in Germany.

Hänsel & Gretel

Augustusplatz

We open the program with Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, featuring two of The Syracuse Orchestra’s musicians: concertmaster Peter Rovit and violist Arvilla Wendland. Also enjoy a performance of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel & Gretel

St. Paul's Syracuse, the Downtown Episcopal Church

It is the largest charity event of its kind organised by the German Red Cross in Germany: the festive opera gala of the Duisburg Red Cross is a highlight in the social life of the city and is in demand far beyond its borders. Soloists from the ensemble of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein and the Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of chief conductor Vitali Alekseenok will once again present a glittering musical programme for the 19th edition, waiving their fees in aid of the DRK.

DRK Gala

CityPalais

The composer Engelbert Humperdinck based his work on the most famous of all fairy tales. The operatic version of the story of the siblings Hänsel and Gretel, who lose their way in the forest and nearly fall victim to the Knusperhexe, or witch, has always inspired audiences. The music takes well-known folk melodies and combines them with large, shimmering soundscapes that move between dream and reality, and between fears and fantasies. Zurich-born director Thom Luz has received numerous awards for his theater work. With «Hansel and Gretel», he makes his long-awaited opera debut, and unleashes the poetic power of theatrical magic. Lithuanian conductor Giedrė Šlekytė musically directs.

Zurich Opera House

Chamber music concerts are an important part of the program. In various formations and ensembles, the musicians of the Orchester der Oper Zürich explore a wide repertoire. At close quarters and in intimate spaces, audiences experience the intensity of the musicians as they make music. Each of the nine chamber music programs in the Spiegelsaal has its own individual focus: classics of the genre meet rarely heard works, and early music meets crossover. The «Zur Premiere» concert series feature programs specially tailored to a corresponding opera premiere. Chamber music concerts usually take place both at Sunday matinees and on Monday evenings. In addition, three special concerts on the Studiobühne stage shed light on influential composers from the first and second half of the 20th century, as well as the present. On the occasion of the premiere of Paul Hindemith’s opera «Cardillac», works by the composer, who lived in Zurich for a time, will be performed together with Leoš Janáček’s wind sextet «Mládi». To mark the 100th birthday of American avant-gardist Morton Feldman (1926-1987), the Opera Nova ensemble will perform his legendary trio «For Philip Guston», which lasts over four hours, in a special concert setting with a comfortable reclining area. One week before the Swiss premiere of Olga Neuwirth’s new music theater piece «Monster's Paradise» Opera Nova presents a portrait concert of the Austrian composer's chamber music works.

4th Chamber Concert

Hall of Mirrors

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the English Schools’ Orchestra with an extraordinary concert featuring some of the UK’s finest young musicians.

This year’s programme includes the enchanting overture to Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Vasks’ powerful Credo, and Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1.

Under the baton of Musical Director Lewis Gaston, the Orchestra brings these iconic works to life, showcasing the energy, talent, and dedication of its exceptional players. From the magical charm of Humperdinck to the emotional depth of Vasks and the epic grandeur of Mahler, this concert promises a captivating musical journey.

English Schools’ Orchestra

Cadogan Hall 

Engelbert Humperdinck's musical setting of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, premiered in 1893 , remains one of the most popular and frequently performed operas worldwide. The exciting story of the wicked witch and the world-famous children's songs make the work extremely popular even today. The Salzburg Children's Festival presents this late-Romantic opera in an abridged version, featuring fun interactive opportunities for young and old.

Family Concert · Hansel and Gretel

Carmen Würth Forum

University of Salzburg Great Hall of the University

Engelbert Humperdinck's musical setting of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, premiered in 1893 , remains one of the most popular and frequently performed operas worldwide. The exciting story of the wicked witch and the world-famous children's songs make the work extremely popular even today. The Salzburg Children's Festival presents this late-Romantic opera in an abridged version, featuring fun interactive opportunities for all ages.

The milk jug is broken, and the precious cream has spilled onto the floor. And the stocking knitting and broom binding are far from finished. In her anger, the mother has sent her two children, Hansel and Gretel, into the nearby forest to pick strawberries. At the beginning of the second part of the first act – this is where the music begins in the auditorium – the two children are alone in the springtime forest. The flowers are blooming, the wind is blowing through the pine trees and sweet fruits are plentiful. It's a wonderful way to spend the day. As evening falls, the children have lost their way. To keep them from getting too scared in the eerie forest, the Sandman appears.

What's coming up? ... Hansel and Gretel, Act 1, Part 2

Composed of dozens of the world’s finest high school musicians, the Interlochen Philharmonic is one of Interlochen Arts Camp’s two exceptional high school orchestras. Join the Philharmonic for a selection of classical favorites and recent compositions

Chelsea Tipton conducts selections from Manuel de Falla's 3 Cornered Hat

Interlochen Center for the Arts

Embark on an epic hero’s quest with Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles in this concert of myth and fantasy. Cinematic in scale, with an orchestra to match, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for the whole ride.

Donald Runnicles conducts Strauss & Beethoven

Sydney Opera House

Grab your favorite pillow, your coziest blanket or mattress and put on your softest pajamas - with the right music and a dreamy hall, we'll end the day together. We look forward to seeing you in your pajamas!

4th Family Concert

Volkspark Friedrichshain

Since time immemorial, fairy tales have been a source of fantasy and wonder for the world’s greatest composers. Let your imagination run free as magical music from the worlds of ballet and opera conjure up princes, evil stepsisters and a fairy godmother.

An Evening of Fairy Tales

Deakin University Geelong Waterfront Campus

Arts Centre Melbourne

Embark on a magical adventure the whole family will love in Hansel and Gretel. The Brother Grimm’s famous fairy tale comes to life with Engelbert Humperdinck’s lush orchestration and gorgeous melodies. Featuring the Opera Montana Youth Chorus, this operatic masterpiece will captivate audiences of all ages.

Ellen Theatre

From the Old World

Belleville First Assembly of God Church

Hindemith- Der Schwanendreher for viola and orchestra

Oregon City United Methodist Church

Cello x 12

Cologne Philharmonie

All the right notes in rather more than just the right order! Grieg’s Piano Concerto is one of those pieces that absolutely everyone knows. The real skill is making it sound as fresh as new – and when the 2015 Leeds International Piano Competition winner Anna Tsybuleva joins forces with guest conductor Erina Yashima, we think the results will be magical. As for Humperdinck’s fairytale prelude and Dvořák’s New World symphony…well, enough said, really. It’s just tune after tune after tune.

Grieg Piano Concerto

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Come on an enchanting adventure in Northern Ballet’s brand-new children’s ballet Hansel & Gretel.

Hansel And Gretel

Middlesbrough Theatre

Come and experience a heartwarming concert where community and the joy of singing are at the center!

Vocal winds and budding spring dreams

Odense Concert Hall

The story of Hansel and Gretel is a fairy tale opera that follows the journey of two young siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who get lost in the forest after being chased out of the house by their mother. The children become separated and wander deeper into the woods, where they encounter a witch who has a sweet tooth for children. The witch tries to eat Hansel, but Gretel outsmarts her by tricking her into getting into her own oven, where she is baked alive. Meanwhile, the Sandman and the Dewman appear to guide the children and help them find their way home.

NOVA Center for the Performing Arts

Hansel and Gretel are the young children of a poor woodcutter. When a famine settles over the land, the woodcutter's wife tells him to take the children into the woods and leave them there to fend for themselves. The woodcutter opposes the plan, but his wife repeats her demands until he reluctantly agrees.

Studio Recitals feature students who all study with the same faculty instructor. These young artists represent their studio with a program curated by their teacher.

Voice Students of Catherine Cook

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Timeless Tales, Brilliant Melodies

Castro Valley Center for the Arts

Lehman College

This enchanting opera follows the adventures of the courageous siblings Hansel and Gretel as they navigate the treacherous forest and confront the powerful forces that threaten to engulf them. As Hansel and Gretel strive to outwit The Witch and find their way home, their bond of sibling love serves as a powerful force against the darkness that surrounds them.

Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel

Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre

### Event Description: Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel

**Event Overview:**
Experience the enchanting opera "Hansel and Gretel" by Humperdinck, presented by the Utah Opera. This captivating performance follows the adventures of the courageous siblings, Hansel and Gretel, as they navigate a treacherous forest and confront powerful forces that threaten to engulf them. Their bond of sibling love serves as a powerful force against the darkness, making this opera a heartwarming tale of resilience and the enduring power of love.

**Performance Dates:**
- **Saturday, January 18, 2025** at 7:30 PM
- **Monday, January 20, 2025** at 7:00 PM
- **Wednesday, January 22, 2025** at 7:00 PM
- **Friday, January 24, 2025** at 7:30 PM
- **Sunday, January 26, 2025** at 2:00 PM

**Location:**
Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre  
50 W 200 S,  
Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

**Language:**
The opera will be sung in German with English supertitles.

**Key Artists:**
- **Conductor:** Stephanie Rhodes Russell
- **Stage Director:** Kyle Lang
- **Children’s Chorus Director:** Melanie Malinka
- **Hansel:** Sarah Coit
- **Gretel:** Maureen McKay
- **The Witch:** Frederick Ballentine
- **Lighting Designer:** Driscoll Otto
- **Children’s Chorus:** The Madeleine Choir School
- **Orchestra:** Utah Symphony

**Ticket Information:**
- **Season Ticket Packages:** On sale now
- **Design-A-Series & Group Tickets:** On sale May 30, 2024
- **Single-Performance Tickets:** On sale August 1, 2024

**Additional Information:**
This opera is an ideal experience to share with your biological or chosen family, offering a narrative that explores love and resilience in the face of adversity. 

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Utah Opera's official website.

Humperdinck's Hansel And Gretel

Capitol Theatre

Hansel and Gretel, the opera, is based on the beloved fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm. Hungry and bored, Hansel and Gretel dance and sing instead of doing their chores. Their angry mother sends them into the enchanted forest to search for food to eat, and so begins a great adventure…they encounter the magical Sandman and Dew Fairy, and stumble upon a mysterious, edible house, which turns out to be inhabited by a terrifying, child-eating Witch! Will Hansel and Gretel escape with their lives, or will they be cooked and eaten? Spoiler Alert! – They live happily ever after…but the witch doesn’t! Opera Modesto’s magical production is filled with beautiful tunes, great voices and joyful fun for the entire family (plus a few scary moments with the Witch)! Sung in English, Hansel and Gretel is a treat for the entire family.

The State Theatre

Since its premiere in 1893 at the Weimar Court Theater under the direction of Richard Strauss, Engelbert Humperdinck's fairytale opera "Hansel and Gretel" has enjoyed unbroken popularity. Along with Mozart's "Magic Flute," it tops the repertoire statistics and has been almost synonymous with the first family visit to the opera for generations. Its popularity is not only due to its Christmas connection, but also to its quality: the late romantic Humperdinck succeeded in creating a catchy yet artistically valuable version of the material, interwoven with folk songs - some arranged, some newly composed - some of which, like the famous "Evening Blessing," later became folk songs themselves. Under the direction of Clemens Fieguth, the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting an entertaining concert performance of the opera highlights on the 1st and 2nd days of Christmas.

Christmas concert for the whole family, "Hansel and Gretel", 1st performance

Volkshaus Jena

The magic of the Grimm tales comes to life in this mischievous production. A fairy tale adventure for all.

Royal Opera House

Oft ist Engelbert Humperdincks beliebte Oper Hänsel und Gretel zur Advents- und Weihnachtszeit auf der Bühne zu erleben. In diesem Jahr spielen wir eine besondere Version für Familien, mit den Blechbläsern der Staatskapelle im Apollosaal. Zehn Musiker:innen begleiten und bereichern die Märchenerzählung mit den originalen Klängen aus Humperdincks Werk, mit allen bekannten Melodien und poetischem Zauber.

Familienkonzert Lindenbrass

Apollosaal

Christmas program with the brass players of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra: On December 17th they will play works by Bach, Howarth and Humperdinck in the Recital Hall of the Elbphilharmonie.

Chamber music: Christmas concert of the brass players of the NDR EO

Christmas classics and more in the Rolf Liebermann Studio: Brass players from the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra will play works by Bach, Howarth and Humperdinck on December 16th.

Chamber music in the RLS: Christmas concert of the brass players

 Rolf-Liebermann-Studio

“Don‘t you know the horrible dark place, don’t you know the evil one lives there?” Hastily, their parents set out for the woods to save Hansel and Gretel from the witch Rosina Leckermaul. As they feared, the children have got lost in the woods and found the gingerbread house. They cannot resist the sweet temptation – and fall straight into the trap of the witch, who likes children so much she could eat them up… literally.

Hänsel und Gretel (Hansel and Gretel)

Staatsoper Hamburg

One of the most touching fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm is forever associated with the Christmas season thanks to the musical setting by Engelbert Humperdinck: »Hansel and Gretel«. The fairy tale opera premiered shortly before Christmas in 1893 at the Weimar Court Theatre under Richard Strauss. Several fairy tales inspired Maurice Ravel to compose, which he brought together in his ballet music »Ma mère l'oye«. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, in turn, used ETA Hoffmann's story of the »Mouse King and the Nutcracker« as the basis for his ballet »The Nutcracker«. Experience concert poet Timo Brunke with specially written "Nutcracker Poetry" for the whole family.

Christmas & Miracles

Berliner Philharmonie

Of course, it's much more fun to play than to help with the housework! Hansel and Gretel know that too. It's just a shame that they smash the milk churn during their boisterous game and there goes their dinner. What should the destitute family put on the table now? The mother scolds her children and sends them into the forest to look for berries. What begins as an adventure quickly turns serious at dusk, however: the siblings get lost and soon fall into the clutches of the evil witch. Now they have to summon up all their courage and ingenuity to free themselves.

For over a century, Engelbert Humperdinck’s fairy-tale opera »Hänsel and Gretel« has been enchanting generations of young opera-goers. Not insignificantly, the premiere of this work took place on the night before Christmas Eve. To this day, this beloved opera is performed near Christmastime in many opera houses. After all, Christmas is a time for family, and »Hänsel and Gretel« is a family opera par excellence: While their children’s eyes widen in wonder at their first opera experience, parents can reminisce and delight in nostalgia. In this new production, director Birgit Eckenweber, together with her set- and costume designer Alexander Mudlagk, sends Hansel and Gretel into a fantastical fairy-tale world that’s guaranteed to fascinate. Ah, to be young again!

Oper Leipzig

Eine musikalische Schittenfahrt

Gasteig HP8

Engelbert Humperdinck: A Winter World of Love

Wind Creek Bethlehem

At Hansel and Gretel’s home there is rarely anything nourishing to eat: The family can simply not afford good food. One day the children see in their kitchen a jug full of milk and jump for joy at the idea of their getting rice pudding. Their mother comes and tells them off and unintentionally knocks over the milk jug. In a fit, as punishment, she impulsively sends the children off into the woods to gather strawberries. It occurs to her too late that a wicked witch is lurking there who likes to turn little children into gingerbread…

Theater Bonn Opera House

The Opera Classica Europa ensemble, consisting of international vocal soloists, salon orchestra and chamber choir, presents a varied concert evening with many well-known pieces such as 'Alleluia' from 'Exsultate, jubilate' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 'The Little Sandman and Evening Blessing' from 'Hansel and Gretel' by Engelbert Humperdinck, the 'Intermezzo' from Pietro Mascagni's opera 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Panis Angelicus' by César Franck. The concert program is also enriched by popular Christmas carols that invite you to hum along.

Advent concert

Alte Börse Leipzig

When Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the forest, they happen upon a house made of gingerbread. Unable to resist temptation, the siblings begin to eat the house, only to be captured by the witch who lives inside.

Susie Sainsbury Theatre

Hallowe'en Concert

El Portal Theater

Superstar American pianist George Li returns to perform Beethoven’s brilliant “Emperor” Concerto following his triumphant ISO debut. Fabien Gabel conducts the revolutionary Prelude to Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, a piece that shattered conventions and forever changed the arc of music history. The concert opens with boisterous preludes from each act of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera Königskinder.

Beethoven's "emperor" Concerto

Hilbert Circle Theatre

This storybook program opens with Beethoven’s incisive take on the Prometheus myth and musical highlights from Humperdinck’s fairy-tale adventure, Hansel and Gretel.  Strauss’ fantastical, symphonic interpretation of Don Quixote pits the befuddled “Man of La Mancha” — represented here by Principal Cello John Sharp — against a flurry of windmills, sorcerers and bleating sheep.

Don Quixote

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Hansel and Gretel’s black-and-white world explodes with color—and candy—when they meet a witch in the woods in this hit ballet from Australian choreographer Loughlan Prior.

Featuring an original score from Claire Cowan and a captivating silent-film-aesthetic, this fresh take on the famous fairy tale delivers the perfect amount of October spookiness.

Keller Auditorium

From “The Impossible Dream” to a terrifying portrayal of a witches’ sabbath, our season opener is rich with musical imagery and a vast range of passions. The program begins with the luscious, enveloping strains of a dream sequence from Humperdinck’s beloved opera, Hänsel und Gretel, and closes with the opium-induced nightmares of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Along the way, baritone soloist Chad Sonka joins the orchestra for a collection of stirring songs inspired by the story of Don Quixote.

Dreams and Nightmares

Ames City Hall

Engelbert is best known, of course, for mega-hit ‘Release Me [And Let Me Love Again]’, which was a No.1 in the UK but also a huge hit in the US. This charismatic performer has enjoyed eight huge UK Top Ten hits including of course ‘The Last Waltz’ itself, as well as ‘There Goes My Everything’, ‘Am I That Easy To Forget’, ‘A Man Without Love (Quando M’Innamoro)’, ‘Les Bicyclettes de Belsize’ and ‘The Way It Used To Be’.

Engelbert Humperdinck

Opera House Manchester

Join us in the Coade Theatre to celebrate our 50th anniversary year with an unforgettable Gala Concert compèred by renowned writer and radio presenter Natalie Wheen. At the orchestra podium, conductors Jose Miguel Esandi, Jeremy Carnall and Sonia Ben-Santamaria, will take you on a journey through a spectacular selection of music featuring soloists Brindley Sherratt, Anna Patalong and Letitia Vitelaru, emerging artists and the wall of sound Dorset Opera Festival Chorus.

50th Anniversary Gala Concert

Bryanston School

See talented singers from the Aspen Opera Theater and Vocal ARTS program and a full orchestra conducted by Houston Grand Opera director Patrick Summers in a semi-staged performance of the beloved fairy-tale opera Hansel and Gretel. Humperdinck began his career as an assistant to Wagner, and while you may detect many of the lessons he learned from his hero, there’s also a lightness which was Humperdinck’s own. He successfully balances the darker aspects of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale with humor and charm, making this perfect entertainment for both children and adults. Enjoy the magic of Humperdinck’s opera at this one-night-only performance!

Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel

Michael Klein Music Tent

The history of the creation of the fabulous opera "Hansel and Gretel" by E. Humperdinck is as fascinating as the opera itself. Once the composer`s sister, Adelheid Wette, decided to arrange a musical performance based on the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm in the family circle and asked her brother to write four songs, to which she composed the words. The performance with the participation of the children of Adelheid caused a storm of delight among all those present, and Engelbert Humperdinck, inspired by this event, decided to create a singspiel. As a result, E. Humperdinck worked with such rapture that he wrote a full-fledged opera. One of the main directors of the opera was the young Richard Strauss, at the premiere he acted as chief conductor. The first performance of "Hansel and Gretel" took place on Christmas Eve, December 23, 1893, in Weimar at the Hoftheater, now better known as the German National Theatre. Children`s opera - a fairy tale made a splash! Since that moment, the opera has been constantly accompanied by fame and success, and the anniversary productions of "Hansel and Gretel", on the occasion of the anniversary of the triumphal premiere, have always aroused increased interest and attention of the public.

Humperdinck

Gerard Bechar Hall

Julian Clayton conducts the outstanding young musicians of Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra.

Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra

Milton Court Concert Hall

Join us at bergenPAC for an unforgettable evening as we present Engelbert Humperdinck: The Last Waltz Tour on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This tour marks a significant milestone in the career of the legendary Engelbert Humperdinck, celebrating over 50 years of musical excellence. With more than 140 million records sold worldwide, including 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, Engelbert has enchanted fans across the globe with his remarkable voice and charismatic stage presence.

Throughout his illustrious career, Engelbert has received four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and has been honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame, and Leicester Walk of Fame. He has performed for royalty, several presidents, and numerous heads of state, showcasing his versatility by recording everything from romantic ballads to disco, rock, and gospel.

Engelbert's impact on the music scene has been profound, sharing the spotlight with icons like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and forming a close friendship with Elvis Presley. His chart-topping single "Release Me" secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records for its 56 consecutive weeks on the charts and was No. 1 in 11 countries.

Now, with The Last Waltz Tour, Engelbert invites fans to experience a journey through his hits and a celebration of a career that has truly stood the test of time. His music continues to inspire and provoke emotions, a testament to his enduring success.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event are on sale now, with prices ranging from $49 to $159. Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of Engelbert Humperdinck live on stage. Please note, there is no elevator access to the mezzanine and balcony levels.

Prepare for an evening of nostalgia, music, and charm with Engelbert Humperdinck at bergenPAC. Secure your tickets today and be part of The Last Waltz Tour.

Engelbert Humperdinck: The Last Waltz Tour

Palisades Court

Join Eugene Opera in the woods for this cherished tale from the Brothers Grimm. Will the magic of the woods protect Hansel and Gretel after they are cast out of their home? Will they survive their encounter with the Witch, or succumb to her tempting treats?

Humperdinck's evocative score, adapted for chamber orchestra, features operatic favorites including the "Evening Prayer" and the "Witch's Ride" and tells this beloved story with compassion and charm. A perfect introduction to opera for all ages.

Hansel and Gretel - Eugene Opera

Wildish Theater

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Opening Night of MahlerFest 37, titled "Visions of Childhood," on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM. This premiere event will take place at the Mountain View United Methodist Church, located at 355 Ponca Place, Boulder, offering a unique blend of music that explores themes of childhood, nature, and the cycle of life through the lens of classical composers.

The evening will commence with a pre-concert discussion at 6:30 PM led by Joseph Horowitz, providing insights into the night's program and the composers featured. Following the performance, attendees are invited to an Opening Night Reception & Discussion, offering a chance to reflect on the music and engage with fellow classical music enthusiasts.

Under the baton of Kenneth Woods, the MahlerFest Chamber Orchestra, along with soprano April Fredrick and bass trombonist David Taylor, will present a carefully curated selection of arrangements and compositions. The program includes works by Mahler, Strauss, Wagner, Humperdinck, and Schubert, arranged by notable musicians such as Schnyder, Horowitz, Ledger, and Woods himself. Highlights include Mahler's "Mahlerei Scherzo" from Symphony No. 4, Strauss's "Vier letzte Lieder," and Schubert's "Die Forelle" and "Der Tod und das Mädchen," among others.

The venue, Mountain View United Methodist Church, offers a serene setting with ample free parking. Attendees can choose between the intimate setting of the main floor or the balcony, which boasts excellent acoustics. Gold Circle Ticket Holders will enjoy reserved seating in the center of the main floor for an optimal listening experience.

Dress up for the occasion or come as you are; Boulder's casual elegance is always in style. Arrive early to secure the best seats and immerse yourself in an evening of exquisite music that bridges the worlds of childhood innocence and the profound depths of adult reflection.

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Engelbert Humperdinck

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 30 - Feb 15, 2026

Hansel and Gretel · Houston Grand Opera

Feb 14, 2026

HGO Family Day: Hansel & Gretel · Houston Grand Opera

Feb 21 - May 15, 2026

Hansel and Gretel · Komische Oper Berlin

Mar 14, 2026

Once Upon a Symphony · Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra

Mar 18, 2026

Concert For People With Dementia, Relatives And Everyone · Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Jan 30 - Feb 15, 2026

Hansel and Gretel · Houston Grand Opera

26 - 30 Dec, 2025

Hansel and Gretel · Staatstheater Mainz

About

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