Flesh and Stone

Contemporary classical music composer and pianist Jake Heggie, whose acclaimed opera Dead Man Walking has been seen worldwide, brings four original song cycles to glorious life on this new CD to benefit Classical Action. The songs reflect the fragile and fleeting nature of our lives and feature the generous talents of Joyce Castle, Mary Phillips, Frederica von Stade and Mr. Heggie himself. Jake Heggie is the pianist throughout the recording. Selections include: three songs from "Winter Roses" (with Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano); "Statuesque" with Joyce Castle, mezzo-soprano; David Henderson, alto saxophone; Dawn Harms, violin; Richard Worn, bass; Eugenia Zukerman, flute; Carey Bell, clarinet; Emil Miland, cello; "The Deepest Desire" with Zheng Cao, mezzo-soprano and Eugenia Zukerman, flute; and selections from "Starry Night" with Mary Phillips, mezzo-soprano. A portion of the proceeds will go to Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS.