A fairy-tale opera based on the Brothers Grimm classic, this beloved fable cooks up folk tune-inspired music into a delicious confection that has delighted families for generations. The opera will be sung in German. Special guest, soprano Lori Celeste Hicks, voice faculty at Claflin College and active recitalist and concert performer, plays the Witch. Hicks has performed internationally and throughout the U.S., and this fall she makes her much-anticipated Carnegie Hall debut, singing Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass with Mid America Productions.

Madeline Beitel, graduating this year with a Master of Music, plays Hänsel and senior music student Anna Young plays Gretel. Other university students in the production are Kelsey L. Kish and Jolene Florey as Mother, Nicholas Hawkins and John Siarris as Father, Kayla Fore as Sandman and Brittany Stone as Dew Fairy. A dozen children from Lexington, Columbia and Blythewood, all of which have gained experience through community programs at USC, join opera at USC students for the production. Ellen Douglas Schlaefer directs opera at USC. Neil Casey conducts USC’s Campus Orchestra and music preparation is by Dr. Lynn Kompass.