As part of its 170th Anniversary, Cork Opera House presents Hänsel und Gretel—A Magical Opera Adventure for All Ages.
Performed by members of the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists programme – with Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan (Hänsel) and Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson (Gretel) in the title roles of this fairy tale opera. They are joined by Rory Dunne, Bríd Ní Ghruagáin and Emma Nash, alongside the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra conducted by Elaine Kelly.
Directed by Davey Kelleher, this semi-staged performance is sung in German with English surtitles.
A cottage all made of chocolate cream.
The roof is all covered with Turkish delight,
the windows with lustre of sugar are white;
and on all the gables the raisins invite, and think,
all around is a gingerbread hedge!
The adventure starts with a jug of spilled cream, and two children on a repentant search for a basket full of strawberries. Into a world of woodlands and sprites, a peculiar witch in a house made of biscuits tries to tempt our two heroes, Hänsel and Gretel, whose bravery sees them rescue the Gingerbread Children. One of the greatest operas ever composed about children, Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel is full of music that is sweet and beguiling, combining childlike simplicity with heart-aching beauty.
Running time is 2 hours including one 20-minute interval.
Sung in German with English surtitles.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.
AGE GUIDANCE: This opera is suitable for children aged 9+. Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+.
*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.