Anyone who appreciates the arts — from opera fans to creative writers — is encouraged to attend a panel discussion with internationally acclaimed composer Jake Heggie taking place on the Stanislaus State campus Feb. 5.
Heggie, whose work includes operas “Moby Dick” and “Dead Man Walking,” will be joined by librettist and stage director John de los Santos to discuss the collaboration that takes place between composers and librettists (writers) in the creation of opera. The discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.
The event will serve as a kickoff for poets and composers — including Stanislaus State students — collaborating to write new music through the Music & Verse Program, a partnership of Townsend Opera and the Stanislaus State Department of Music.
“We continuously seek opportunities for our students to collaborate with professional musicians,” said Department of Music Chair Deborah Kavasch. “This partnership represents a unique chance for young artists to create new music in collaboration with our community of local poets, and to have feedback throughout the process from professional composers.”
The panel discussion will be held in Snider Recital Hall on the Stanislaus State campus in Turlock at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb.5. The event is free and open to the public.