"I was so happy because I was at the opera house every day, immersed in writing about it, then going home inspired by these voices and writing songs and other pieces for them. I just I was so happy with that life and I thought, this is the way I'm going to live the rest of my life." - Composer of the Year Jake Heggie
Musical America's Director of the Year James Robinson shares upcoming projects!
Víkingur Ólafsson: "I play piano because..." 🎹 What is your reason?
🎭✨ "I was offered Aida at 26, but my mentor said, 'It's too early for you.'" Angel Blue shares the power of patience and trusting her journey in opera.
🎶✨ "You should try conducting." What started as a suggestion in 2007 led Barbara Hannigan to an extraordinary debut, seamlessly combining Stravinsky and Ligeti.
Balancing standard repertoire with new works...here is Musical America's Director of the Year James Robinson on balancing his programming.
Angel Blue on family
"My family has been everything to me." Musical America's Vocalist of the Year Angel Blue shares how her musical journey began with singing in church alongside her pastor father and the unwavering support of her family—including a two-hour commute to an arts high school!
More at: https://www.musicalamerica.com/features/?fid=369&fyear=2025
🚢✨ "I kept hitting a wall... until Ahab finally started singing to me." – Composer of the Year James Heggie shares how unlocking a single aria transformed the creation of Moby Dick, propelling him through six months of writer's block to complete the opera in just four months.
