Humperdinck’s enchanting fairy tale opera, die Maerchen Oper “Haensel und Gretel” –
If you grew up in Germany or Austria, I am sure you are just all familiar not only with the story but also the music. 
Even though associated with Christmas and winter time, many of the arias are songs we all heard and sang as little kids all year round. I certainly remember singing and dancing to “Bruederchen komm tanz mit mir, beide Haende reich’ ich Dir” or “Suse, liebe Suse, was raschelt im Stroh”. Do you?
Well, just thinking of these beautiful songs in this opera warms my heart and I am so happy that there finally is a possibility to see and hear the opera here in Southern California, at the Lyric Opera San Diego. This is something I don’t want my kids to miss and I hope they will feel a glimpse of that wonderful joyful spirit that this opera radiates. It’s a bit of German culture to pass on to our children!
“Haensel und Gretel” was first performed in Weimar on December 23, 1893 and conducted by Richard Strauss. Since then it has become one of the most popular operas and one that’s perfect for introducing children to the world of opera.
The Lyric Opera San Diego presents Haensel and Gretel in English on November 13, 15, 19, 21 and 22 at Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104. Tickets can be ordered online or by phone (619) 231-5714.
For the ones who want to listen in to some of the songs here is a link to listen to excerpts sung by Lucia Popp ( Gretel) and Brigitte Fassbaender ( Haensel) and others http://www.weltbild.de/3/15559795-1/musik/haensel-und-gretel.html
The library at San Juan Capistrano celebrates its fifth ‘Day of the Dead’ event, tomorrow Sunday, October 25th. This event will feature arts and crafts for the children, great music and dance on the outside stage and indigenous food for a dining experience. Inside the library’s gallery will be various artwork inspired by Dias de los Muertos on display, as well as several altars, which are a major tradition for that special day.