Happy Birthday, Hansel and Gretel!

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published December 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM EST

Tune in Tuesday afternoon as Foley features an orchestral suit drawn from Engelbert Humperdinck's perennial operatic favorite, Hansel and Gretel on the 132nd anniversary of its premiere—and much more.

Ever since its premiere on December 23, 1893 at the Hoftheater in Weimar, Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera (based on the famous tale of the Brothers Grimm) has been associated with Christmas. We'll enjoy an orchestral suite drawn from the beloved opera and much other music for the season on this afternoon's Classical Music With Foley Schuler.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 4 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

See stories by Foley Schuler