Opera Club: Hänsel Und Gretel
14th December 2008

The next meeting of the Opera Club will include a video presentation of Englebert Humperdinck´s Hänsel und Gretel.

This original 1981 production, released on DVD in 2006, features unforgettable performances by Brigitte Fassbaender and Edita Gruberova as Hänsel and Gretel, together with Helga Dernesch, Hermann Prey and Sena Jurinac, with the Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) under the baton of Sir Georg Solti.

The tale from the Brothers Grimm was meant to be a pleasant fable for middle-class consumers of the 19th century; the original however was probably an admonishment of the hardships of medieval life. Because of episodes of famine, war, plague and other reasons, abandoning children in the woods to die or fend for themselves was not unknown, in particular during the crisis of the Late Middle Ages. Many critics have posited that the tale likely stemmed from historical instances of abandonment caused by famine,with the obvious message of not accepting the seeming generosity of strangers.

Composer Engelbert Humperdinck transformed the beloved fairy tale into opera entertainment for everyone. Frequently staged in opera houses during the run up to Christmas, this presentation comes in perfect time to help celebrate this magical time of year!

Entry: 4 € (Friends 2 €)

Sunday 14th December, 18:00 (Bar available)