Hans Christian Andersen

The Rose Elf: Original story

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, he is best remembered for his literary fairy tales.

Andersen’s fairy tales, consisting of 156 stories across nine volumes, have been translated into more than 125 languages. They have become embedded in Western collective consciousness, accessible to children as well as presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers. His most famous fairy tales include “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “The Little Mermaid”, “The Nightingale”, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”, “The Red Shoes”, “The Princess and the Pea”, “The Snow Queen”, “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Little Match Girl”, and “Thumbelina”. His stories have inspired ballets, plays, operas, and animated and live-action films.

Events featuring Hans Christian Andersen

The Rose Elf

Music and Libretto by David Hertzberg
Based on a fairy tale by
Hans Christian Andersen

Saturday, August 17 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 18 at 3pm

"At least the equal of Puccini."

A tiny elf, who lives within a rose in a large garden, witnesses a violent murder. Forever changed—moved, bewildered, affected—the elf strives to give comfort and closure to the victim's beloved. The incredibly rich world of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical tale is brought to vivid life by the music of David Hertzberg, hailed as "an absolute phenomenon. Such lush, decadent musical passages and ecstatic vocal lines I've rarely heard from a young composer. Hertzberg gave us splendid moments when I was sure I was hearing something straight out of the late Romantic period." - Parterre

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