Heggie: Dead Man Walking (Live)

Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking has quickly established itself as one as the most popular contemporary operas. Inspired by the true story of nun Helen Prejean accompanying a convicted murderer through his last days, it questions without manichaeism the role of death penalty in the United States, and notions such as guilt, revenge, salvation, or forgiveness. It culminates in a harrowing scene of execution which overwhelmed the audience during the debut in San Francisco. The recording of this premiere, featuring great mezzo-sopranos Susan Graham and Frederica von Stade, is finally made available, on the occasion of the work’s reprise at the Metropolitan Opera from September 26. This production will feature Joyce DiDonato in the main role, which she has already held in 2012 (a recorded performance in Houston that is available online under our Erato label).