With Hänsel und Gretel, Engelbert Humperdinck created a fairy-tale opera that has captivated children and families for over 100 years, not just during the Advent season. The enduring success of the work is due, in part, to the exciting story of two children who get lost in a dark forest and are threatened by an evil witch, whom they ultimately defeat through cunning and trickery. The combination of simple, catchy folk melodies like «Ein Männlein steht im Walde» («A Little Man Stands in the Forest») with lavishly orchestrated sound and powerful operatic voices remains highly appealing to audiences of all ages. Andreas Homoki’s production tells the story straightforwardly in poetic imagery, without neglecting either theatrically effective spooky effects or comedic moments. Our young and dynamic conductor, Anna Handler, leads the performance with her vibrant musical energy.