On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers. Together these three esteemed artists share thoughts about the joys of the composer/performer relationship and the power of storytelling through song, interspersed with performances of Heggie’s music. This concert also featured special guests mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook, and mezzo-soprano Hope Nelson. Below are highlights from this event that we hope you will enjoy!
Classical California resident artist and pianist Lara Downes moderates a pre-concert talk with Jake Heggie and Frederica von Stade.
Jake Heggie Sky Concert
Frederica von Stade and Jake (piano): Paper Wings: Frederica von Stade and Jake perform two selections from the song cycle Paper Wings: "Paper Wings" and "A Route to the Sky," with Jake accompanying on piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Paper Wings
Catherine Cooke and Jake Heggie (piano): Winged Victory: Acclaimed singer Catherine Cooke joins Jake on stage to perform "Winged Victory [We're Through]," a powerful song from the Statuesque cycle. The song is a dramatic monologue from the perspective of the Winged Victory statue, expressing her frustration with being objectified.
Statuesque: No. 5 - Winged Victory [We're Through]
Lara Downes: Facing Forward. Lara Downes performs a solo piano rendition of "Facing Forward," a poignant song about letting go of the past and embracing the future.
Facing Forward (from Facing Forward/Looking Back)
Hope Nelson and Lara Downes: This Journey. Mezzo-soprano Hope Nelson performs "This Journey," an aria from Jake Heggie's opera Dead Man Walking. The aria explores the emotional turmoil of Sister Helen Prejean as she travels to meet a death row inmate.
This Journey - From Dead Man Walking
Max Nguyen and Jake Heggie: The Haughty Snail-King. Young singer Max Nguyen, accompanied by Jake on piano, performs "The Haughty Snail-King," a whimsical song from the cycle Songs to the Moon.
The Haughty Snail-King - Songs to the Moon
Frederica von Stade, Lara Downes and Astrid Chopp: Primary Colors. The concert concludes with a moving performance of "Primary Colors" from the song cycle The Deepest Desire. Frederica von Stade is joined by Lara on piano and young flutist Astrid Chopp, creating a beautiful and contemplative atmosphere.
Primary Colors - The Deepest Desire
