This adaptation for young audiences will be sung in English.
Canadian Opera Company Ensemble
The Canadian Opera Company’s (COC) Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour production of the opera will be presented at two special public performances at its Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre in Toronto. Also included in the ticket price are interactive activities occurring 45 minutes prior to the performance, and a question and answer session with the opera’s performers and crew following the 50-minute presentation.
The production is part of the renowned programme initiated more than 20 years ago to perform operas for young audiences in Ontario’s schools, community halls, and theatres with the COC’s Xstrata Ensemble. Delightfully inspiring, the presentations comprise special one-act adaptations or newly created operas in full costume with props, sets, and piano accompaniment. Additionally, the COC provides a tuned piano when one is not available.
Hansel and Gretel Opera by Engelbert Humperdinck
In 1890, Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) of Frankford, Germany agreed to compose music for pieces his sister Adelheid Wette (1858-1916) wrote for her children at Christmastime. In January 1891, he began work on the full-length opera, using his sister’s libretto that was loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale. On December 23, 1893, in Weimar, the opera premiered under the direction of composer Richard Strauss who declared it "a masterpiece of the highest quality...".
With the story’s less savoury aspects either omitted or changed, the opera tells the familiar story of the sister and brother living with their parents at the edge of a forest, and their encounter with an evil witch living in a magical gingerbread house.
Produced in more than fifty theatres in Germany during its first year following the highly successful debut, Hansel and Gretel is considered an everlasting masterpiece with its theme of evil being overcome by virtue and innocence. A favourite Christmas season presentation, the opera is noted “for its enchanting score, much of it inspired by European folk music”.
Ticket Information for Hansel and Gretel Public Performances
For more information pertaining to ticket sales for the two performances (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front Street East in Toronto, you can call 1-416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653, or make purchases online. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Note – Image courtesy of the Canadian Opera Company – scene from the COC School Tour Production of Hansel and Gretel.
Kathleen Airdrie - Kathleen has thirty years' freelance writing experience covering history, biographical profiles, environmental and social issues
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