Jake Heggie, acclaimed composer known for his operas such as Moby Dick and Dead Man Walking, will join the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) as part of their composition faculty starting in Fall 2025.
Heggie has made significant contributions to the world of opera, with ten operas to his name, and Dead Man Walking is particularly notable as the most performed new opera in the last quarter-century, boasting over 80 international productions since its premiere.
Expressing his excitement about joining SFCM, Heggie stated, “Collaboration and hard work are at the heart of my creative life, and I see the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a vibrant hub of possibility and connection.”
His connection to SFCM is profound and longstanding. Earlier this year, Heggie served as the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2023, where he received an honorary doctorate. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of commitment in various aspects of life, including work and education.
In January, Heggie’s work, Intelligence, was showcased at SFCM, where students performed a run-through in anticipation of its upcoming premiere with the Houston Grand Opera. Additionally, he previously workshopped his opera Great Scott at the conservatory in 2014, solidifying his ongoing relationship with the institution.
“I firmly believe in the great work that happens at SFCM, and I’m overjoyed to join the incredible team that shows up for these students every day,” Heggie remarked about his future role at the conservatory.
For the past 25 years, Heggie has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of composers through various mentorship programs. His involvement spans several prominent initiatives, including Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative and CU Boulder’s New Opera Workshop, along with others.
SFCM President David H. Stull spoke highly of Heggie, noting, “Jake Heggie has forged a new canon for opera and inspired the world to embrace this art form in ways rarely observed in the modern classical landscape.”
Stull praised Heggie’s ability to convey powerful stories that resonate with audiences on a human level, underscoring the emotional impact of his character and generosity.
Heggie will take on the esteemed role of Diane Wilsey Distinguished Professor of Composition at SFCM, joining a department that values both tradition and innovation. The composition faculty emphasizes close mentorship of students while remaining active in their own high-profile composing careers.
David Conte, the Chair of the Composition Department, expressed enthusiasm about Heggie’s addition to the faculty, stating, “Our students and entire community will benefit richly from his vast experience.”
Heggie will begin his time at SFCM with coaching and masterclasses in 2025 and will establish a studio of students beginning in 2026.
In addition to his operatic endeavors, Heggie has consistently returned to educational settings to empower young musicians and composers, drawing from his own education under influential figures such as Ernst Bacon and Carlisle Floyd.
Notably, he continues the traditional practice of writing all his scores by hand, believing it fosters a deeper, tactile relationship with the music.
Now residing in San Francisco since 1993 with his husband, Curt Branom, Heggie looks forward to further enriching SFCM’s vibrant musical community.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Jake-Heggie-Will-Join-San-Francisco-Conservatory-Of-Music-20250611
