Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Amanda Muggleton tells the story of Hansel and Gretel, whose starving parents abandon them in the forest. They discover a gingerbread cottage: a trap laid for them by an evil old hag who plans to eat them. Scary as a nightmare, enchanting as a dream – this is a story that’s a joy to be told.

It is a dark tale of hardship and hunger, of children abandoned by their parents and of an evil old woman who preys on the young. But, as writer Neil Gaiman says: “If you are protected from dark things, then you are unprepared to deal with dark things if ever they show up. I think it’s important to show dark things to kids—and in the showing of them, to also demonstrate that dark things can be beaten, that you have the power to fight back, that you can win.”

The obvious lesson to be learned from Hansel and Gretel is to “never take candy from a stranger”. But, in truth, this unsettling story - collected by the Grimm brothers in 1812 – was never designed as a moral tale but rather as a reflection on the fact that in medieval times - during periods of famine - many families were forced to abandon their children.

The story is being told at the Opera House by the wonderfully charismatic Amanda Muggleton. The outstanding duo - violinist Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich and pianist, John Martin – provide the dazzling musical accompaniment, which is the work of the brilliant Australian composer, Elene Kats-Chernin.

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (02) 9250 7777 or by email to victoriajacono@gmail.com

Featured Australian Works

	Butterflying : violin with piano (2004) by Elena Kats-Chernin — performed by John Martin and Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich
	Revolving doors : for violin and piano (2003) by Elena Kats-Chernin — performed by John Martin and Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich
	Russian rag : arrangement for violin and piano (2004) by Elena Kats-Chernin — performed by John Martin and Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich
	Still life : for violin and piano (2001) by Elena Kats-Chernin — performed by John Martin and Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich

Featured artists

• Performer Amanda Muggleton
• Performer Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich
• Performer John Martin