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Opera promises great drama, comedy and lush orchestral music

The classic fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel is brought to life by U of L Opera Workshop, under the direction of Dr. Blaine Hendsbee and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Glenn Klassen, with performances are Jan. 29 and 30 at 8 pm in Southminster Church. The opera is fully staged and sung in English.

To ensure as many students as possible benefit from the valuable experience of performing with a live 30 pieces orchestra, Hendsbee double casted several of the parts, including Gretel, Hansel, dew fairies, sand men and the father. “Megan Wittig, who recently graduated from our Master of Music program is our special guest, playing the witch,” says Hendsbee. The U of L Conservatory of Music’s three children’s choirs are also participating.  “We’ll have about 45 young singers ranging in age from 9 to 16 performing, with 10 onstage as the frozen children,” he says.  The conductor of the Conservatory’s Incanto Choir, Children’s Choir and Youth Singers is Kathy Clapton-Matkin.

Hendsbee says audiences will hear well know tunes based on folk songs, but with a twist.  “The full fabric of lush orchestral sounds transforms the folk songs and helps portray the great drama and comic relief found in the well-loved opera,” he says. “They can also enjoy hearing the talented singers who make up our Opera Workshop, several of whom have been selected for prestigious roles in other opera companies over the summer.”

In addition to the Music Department and Conservatory of Music contributions, the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts has also gotten into the act.  “We have beautiful costumes designs by Leslie Robison-Greene, a set provided by James McDowell and our lighting is done by David Hignell,” he says. “Hansel and Gretel is a delightful and entertaining production.”

For tickets call the Lethbridge Symphony Office at 403-328-6808.

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