Marking the tenth anniversary of its 2016 premiere, Houston Grand Opera unveils the first commercial recording of Breaking the Waves, Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s landmark opera. Long acclaimed as one of the most important American operas of the past decade, this release brings the work’s searing emotional world to a global audience, making it accessible beyond the stage for the first time.

Set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1970s, Breaking the Waves tells the story of Bess McNeill, a religious young woman with a deep love for her husband Jan, a handsome oil rig worker. When Jan becomes paralyzed in an off-shore accident, Bess’s marital vows are put to the test as he encourages her to seek other lovers and return to his bedside to tell him of her sexual activities. He insists that the stories will feel like they are making love together and keep him alive. Bess’s increasing selflessness leads to a finale of divine grace, but at great cost.

Led by conductor Patrick Summers, the new recording features some of today’s most compelling operatic voices, including Lauren Snouffer as Bess McNeill and Ryan McKinny as Jan Nyman. Hailed by The New Yorker as a “once‑in‑a‑generation magician of the orchestra”, Mazzoli brings a distinctive musical voice that has established Breaking the Waves as a modern classic.

Lauren Snouffer as Bess McNeill
Ryan McKinny as Jan Nyman
Michelle Bradley as Mother
Maire Therese Carmack as Dodo McNeill
David Portillo as Dr. Richardson
Michael Mayes as Councilman
Sam Dhobhany as Terry
Johnny Salvesen as Sadistic Sailor
Houston Grand Opera Chorus
Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
Patrick Summers, conductor