Composition by Jake Heggie, alumnus from '84 with a Masters in '05
In the vibrant world of contemporary opera, American composer Jake Heggie stands out as one of the pre-eminent figures. Best known for his operas, art songs, and collaborations with internationally-renowned performers and writers, Heggie's career has been a testament to resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born and raised in Texas, Heggie's musical journey began at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he pursued a master's degree in composition. However, a significant setback occurred when he developed focal dystonia in his right hand, causing him to lose his ability to play piano. Undeterred, Heggie sought help from neurologist Frank Wilson, who advised him to stop playing, retrain, and find a new way to make a living.
After a brief stint running a small, private performing arts series and working as the PR writer at the UCLA Center for the Performing Arts, Heggie's piano skills returned. He then began composing art songs for renowned singers like Frederica von Stade, Reneé Fleming, and Bryn Terfel. This period marked the beginning of a prolific career, as Heggie has since composed nearly 300 art songs, as well as chamber, choral, and orchestral works.
In 1995, Heggie won the G. Schirmer Art Song Competition, and in 2000/2001, he was asked to write an opera for the San Francisco Opera's main stage season. His work, "Dead Man Walking," has since become his most widely performed American opera of the 21st century, with 71 productions as of September 2021, at prestigious opera houses such as the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet in Oslo, Norway.
UCLA played a significant role in Heggie's career, providing him with practical training, collaborative opportunities, and exposure to renowned performers. His later teaching and mentorship roles, like those at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, suggest a commitment to collaboration and education that likely stemmed from formative academic and practical experiences at UCLA.
Heggie encourages young artists to make bold choices, take risks, and be a good and supportive colleague. He advises them to find their authentic voice by trying many different things and learning from each piece they create. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, passion, collaboration, and self-discovery in cultivating a versatile artistic career.
For those aspiring to follow in Heggie's footsteps, he can be contacted via email at alumni@our website to share success stories with the school. His message to current students and young alumni of the School of Music is to show up, stay curious, work hard, learn from failures, prioritize their health, and have fun with music.
In a world where opera and art songs continue to captivate audiences, Jake Heggie's contributions are a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and a deep love for music. His story serves as an inspiration for young artists everywhere, encouraging them to embrace their unique voices and create works that resonate with the world.
Engaging in education and self-development, Jake Heggie's journey at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) was pivotal in shaping his prolific career as a composer, fostering personal growth through learning and experimentation. His commitment to collaboration and education even extends to mentoring younger artists, advocating for making bold choices, taking risks, and finding an authentic voice.
