Opera on 3 - Humperdinck: Hansel und Gretel

In a performance from the Royal Opera House, Colin Davis conducts Humperdinck's fairytale opera with a cast that includes mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirschlager as Hansel and soprano Diana Damrau as Gretel. In this classic story from the Brothers Grimm, two children get lost in a forest after dark and are charmed by the witch to enter her magical gingerbread house. The children are ensnared but manage to defeat the witch, and in a rousing happy ending they are returned home and reunited with their parents. Suzy Klein is joined by German music specialist John Deathridge before the start and during the interval to give a guide to the music. With additional insights from members of the cast. Hansel ...... Angelika Kirchschlager (mezzo-soprano) Gretel ...... Diana Damrau (soprano) Gertrud ...... Elizabeth Connell (soprano) Peter ...... Thomas Allen (baritone) Witch ...... Anja Silja (soprano) Sandman and ...... Pumeza Matshikiza (soprano) Dew Fairy and Echo ...... Anita Watson (soprano) Echo ...... Eri Nakamura, Simona Mihai (sopranos) Tiffin Boys' Choir Tiffin Children's Chorus Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Colin Davis (conductor).