Monica Yunus Competition. In 2001, Yunus sang the role of Nanetta in "Falstaff" in her debut with Amato Opera. In the 2002–2003 season, Yunus made her debut with Nashville Opera as Gretel in Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hänsel und Gretel", her debut with Virginia Opera as Oscar in "Un ballo in maschera", and performed the role of Walter in "La Wally" at Alice Tully Hall with Teatro Grattacielo. She also performed the roles of Servilia in Mozart's "La clemenza di Tito" and Polly in "Die Dreigroschenoper" with Pittsburgh Opera as part of her internship there. Yunus was also awarded a career grant from the
Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy performance, RKO Radio Pictures acquired the film for wide release for the Christmas season. The film was sold to television four years after it was released, where it became a Christmas season tradition on several affiliate stations. In 1959, at the second annual Grammy Awards, conductor Franz Allers was nominated for the soundtrack in the category of "Best Recording for Children". The film was re-released theatrically in 1965 through New Trends Associates, and in March 1973 through MGM. The title was modified to "Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy" beginning with the 2001 DVD release. In 1952, Evalds Dajevskis began