Hansel and Gretel Vienna

Hänsel und Gretel — Humperdinck at the Vienna State Opera

Adrian Noble's atmospheric production of Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved fairy-tale opera returns to the Vienna State Opera for the Christmas and New Year season. First staged in 2015 at the wish of Christian Thielemann, Noble's staging sets the Brothers Grimm story between an enchanted forest and Victorian London — a dreamlike world of poetry and genuine dramatic tension, where the children face real danger amid Grimm's dark undertones of poverty and hunger.

Cornelius Meister conducts, with Alma Neuhaus as Hänsel, Maria Nazarova as Gretel, and Michael Laurenz in a memorable turn as the Witch. Anthony Ward's spectacular sets and costumes complete one of the most magical evenings in the Vienna repertoire — an opera for the whole family, featuring some of the most beautiful music ever written, from the beloved Evening Prayer to the triumphant gingerbread children's chorus.

• Conductor: Cornelius Meister
• Stage Director: Adrian Noble (set & costumes: Anthony Ward)
• Cast: Alma Neuhaus (Hänsel), Maria Nazarova (Gretel), Michael Laurenz (Witch)
• Performance: 2 January 2026
• Venue: Vienna State Opera — Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (three acts)
• Language: German

The perfect family opera experience at the Vienna State Opera. Book your Hänsel und Gretel tickets now.