THE school week had a fairy tale ending for about 1000 Bendigo students.
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Over the course of two performances, the Victorian Opera treated the children to Hansel and Gretel in its original German language.
English scene descriptors helped guide the students through a 50-minute operatic rendition of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
Friday’s performances, composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, featured a live orchestra.
Students had opportunities to ask questions at the end.
Cast member Carlos Bárcenas, who played the witch, was delighted by the children’s reactions to his colourful character.
“You can see some are scared, but they get excited,” Bárcenas said.
He will return to the stage of the Capital Theatre on Saturday evening in Victorian Opera’s production of Heroes and Villains.
The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, consists of pieces from popular operas such as The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, La Bohème and Carmen.
Bendigo Youth Choir will also feature in the performance.