See a Grimm tale

NSO Symphony Orchestra perform a classical take on Hansel And Gretel

The Brothers Grimm fairytale about a trail of bread crumbs, a cannibalistic witch and a house made of cakes will get a classical makeover thanks to the NSO Symphony Orchestra this month.

The 45-piece symphony orchestra will be performing the Abu Dhabi premiere of an operatic version of Hansel And Gretel, by the 19th-century German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (note: not the cheesy pop singer).

Conducted by the NSO’s own Andrew Berryman, international performers will join local talents to round out the cast. American soprano Julia Teal Kermott will play Gretel and mezzo-soprano Louise Merrifield will play Hansel, while soprano Susanna Lauer will perform as the children’s mother and Tom Isherwood, flying in from the UK, will play the father. Dramatic soprano Helen Kerr will play the witch.

What’s more, the show will also feature 80 children based right here in the capital who will take part in the Gingerbread chorus, whacky witch’s dance and angel ballet.

The concert is being hosted as part of the NSO’s initiative to work with children and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to a children’s charity. March 10 and 11

The National Theatre, Al Etihad, Abu Dhabi, Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm, Dhs75 to Dhs250. Taxi: National Theatre, on Airport Road. nsouae.org, ticketmaster.ae