With „Hansel and Gretel“ by Engelbert Humperdinck, Akademie für Tonkunst Darmstadt presented a spectacular musical theatre production in December 2025. The four performances on 12, 13 and 14 December in the Wilhelm-Petersen-Saal attracted numerous visitors of all ages. For the production at the academy, the popular work was specially adapted as a singspiel with dialogue. The ensemble version was created as a collective project by the instrumentation class and brought two alternating casts of soloists, the opera orchestra and the music school's Junior Academy Choir to the stage.
During an intensive preparation phase, students, pupils, teachers and staff from various departments worked closely together and contributed to the production process with a great deal of commitment. Special thanks go to the technical caretakers of Akademie für Tonkunst, who planned, built and realised the stage set. With great technical expertise and continuous support during the rehearsal and performance phase, they made a decisive contribution to the atmosphere and smooth running of the production and concerts.
The project was very well received by the audience of around 400 people. There was plenty of applause, standing ovations, enthusiastic voices and smiling faces. „Hansel and Gretel“ thus proved to be an impressive example of the successful interaction between education and performance practice at Akademie für Tonkunst Darmstadt. Many thanks to all those involved on, in front of and behind the stage.
Photos: © Benjamin Weber
