This December 14 and 16 at Paisley Town Hall, Scottish Opera is presenting Engelbert Humperdinck’s magical fairy story, Hansel & Gretel, in a vibrant and vivid new live performance staging. These live performance performances assist rejoice the reopening of the long-lasting Nineteenth-century architectural gem which has undergone a multimillion-pound transformation.
Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford conducts The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and a forged that features the Company’s Associate Artist Lea Shaw (Carmen 2023) as Hansel and former Emerging Artist Catriona Hewitson (Daphne 2023) as Gretel, with former Associate Artist Heather Ireson (Il trittico 2023) within the twin function of the Mother and the Witch. Current Scottish Opera Emerging Artists Ross Cumming and Inna Husieva (each seen on this yr’s Daphne) seem because the Father and The Sandman and The Dew Fairy respectively, together with a kids’s refrain. Roxana Haines (Rubble 2022) directs this English translation by David Pountney.
After being banished from residence by their exasperated mom, Hansel and Gretel plunge deep into the forest on a grand journey. But not every part is because it appears on this enchanted wooden. The younger pair will want each ounce of braveness, cleverness, and hope in the event that they’re to flee the lure of the Witch and her gingerbread hut. The traditional fairy story’s world of magic, fireflies, and fairies involves life by means of Humperdinck’s lush and majestic rating, which has one thing for each listener – from the attractive ‘Evening Prayer’ to enchanting folk-inspired melodies.
Scottish Opera General Director, Alex Reedijk stated: ‘Here at Scottish Opera, we have a great affection for Paisley, having had the warmest of welcomes when we opened our orchestra rehearsal rooms in Hillington in 2017 and brought our 2018 production of Pagliacci to Seedhill Playing Fields, as well as our collaboration with Disney in Schools to pupils at Todholm Primary in Paisley, St James’ Primary in Renfrew, and St Anthony’s Primary in Johnstone in recent times. The Orchestra of Scottish Opera can also be supporting the upcoming manufacturing of Macbeth by our buddies at Paisley Opera, which was based by Simon Hannigan who labored with us frequently over time.
‘It’s a thrill to be staging Hansel & Gretel at Paisley Town Hall — not too long ago reworked right into a landmark leisure venue — in December for 2 very particular performances, so we hope you may be part of us!’
Director Roxana Haines stated: ‘Follow Hansel and Gretel into an enchanted world though the doors of Paisley Town Hall, for an immersive, magic-filled journey deep into the woods. Sprinkled with joy and generosity, this fairy tale is dedicated to our children and our childhood selves, for all their courage, resilience and perspective.’
Councillor Lisa Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen, the charitable belief which operates Paisley Town Hall, stated: ‘We’re delighted to welcome again Scottish Opera to Paisley Town Hall. The venue has undergone an unimaginable £22 million refurbishment, creating one among Scotland’s best efficiency venues. We can’t wait to welcome households to take pleasure in a festive efficiency of Hansel & Gretel from the splendidly proficient Scottish Opera workforce. It guarantees to be an incredible present on Paisley’s ‘new’ huge stage.’
Book now at www.scottishopera.org.uk
