Northwestern University Opera Theater
Michael M. Ehrman, director

Dead Man Walking
Music by Jake Heggie
Libretto by Terrence McNally
Based on the novel by Sister Helen Prejean
This opera was commissioned by the San Francisco Opera.

I had a lump in my throat from the beginning through the conclusion of this powerful opera about a nun who tries to save a convict sentenced to death. As with Beethoven, the emotional arc of the story conveyed in the the text and music is immediately intelligible, meaningful, and deeply felt. Highly recommended!

The second piece I was lucky to hear was "And I was like Wow" by Jacob TV. This work for trombone and electronics with accompanying video tells the story of a wounded US soldier. Hearing the soldier in his own words with music setting the scene and conveying the depth of trauma was incredibly moving.

"This is what art is about!"  I though after experiencing each one. After reading a great piece of literature, seeing a great movie, or listening to a Beethoven piano sonata -- one can help but leave the experience changed as a person. This is what art is all about -- taking the audience on a journey through a story.