«Hänsel und Gretel» – Weihnachtsgala

Like cinnamon stars and candlelight, the warm sounds of Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel are closely associated with the Christmas season. The German composer had no idea of this when his sister, the writer Adelheid Wette, asked him to write a few songs to accompany a little fairy tale play. Humperdinck subsequently recognised the potential of the material and created an opera that combined traditional folk songs with late Romantic orchestral sounds in a unique way. In this way, he succeeded in setting the dramatic story of the Brothers Grimm to music vividly and full of expression.

An evening full of magical moments, captivating music and a timeless message about courage, cohesion and the victory of good over evil. And even though the Crispy Witch teaches the children to fear with her macabre aria, the hearts of both young and old will warm their hearts again at the latest during the moving evening blessing.

Cast:
Gerardo Garciacano (baritone) – Peter, a broommaker
Maria Riccarda Wesseling (mezzo-soprano) – Gertrud, his wife
Salome Cavegn (mezzo-soprano) – Hansel
Maura Wesseling (soprano) – Gretel
Peter Galliard (tenor) – The Crispy Witch
Member of the Young Voices – Sandman
Member of the Young Voices – Dew Man
Young Voices of the Kammerphilharmonie – Küchenkinder (rehearsal Jennifer Ribeiro Rudin)
Philippe Bach, conductor
Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of the Grisons

Program:
Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921)
"Hansel and Gretel" (1891),
Fairy tale play in three pictures,
concert performance