Director

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.

Hansel and Gretel

Zurich Opera House

The work of the piano tuner is indispensable for any concert or opera, but it takes place away from the public eye. As with so many things in life, the pursuit of perfect tuning inevitably leads to compromise, thanks to extenuating circumstances. Music theorist Andreas Werckmeister understood this already at the end of the 17th century, when he toiled to understand the pitfalls of mean-tone temperament, trying to bring structure to the chaos. Alongside Werckmeister's cryptic-philosophical texts, compositions from Schütz to Charles Ives form the starting point for this music theater creation by Swiss theater artist Thom Luz. The work will be presented in the former «Kino Sternen» in Zurich-Oerlikon, which will open as the new «Oper im Quartier» venue starting in the 2026/27 season.

Director

Thom Luz

Events

Upcoming events

12 - 27 Jun, 2026

Werckmeister Harmonies · Opernhaus Zürich

Past events

Nov 16, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026

Hansel and Gretel · Opernhaus Zürich

About

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