Jake Heggie: Intelligence (Act 1)

Houston Grand Opera is a driving force in American opera, cultivating a spirit of innovation with premieres of important 20th-century works like Leonard Bernstein’s A Quiet Place and John Adams’ Nixon in China. This tradition continues with the debut recording on their own record label—Jake Heggie’s Intelligence. This epic work was commissioned by Houston Grand Opera and is the company’s 75th premiere, building on its legacy and commitment to the future of opera with a thrilling new recording. Intelligence explores the little-known story of two heroic women spies during the American Civil War: Elizabeth Van Lew, a privileged white woman; and Mary Jane Bowser, a black woman born into slavery in the Van Lew household. Composer Jake Heggie, librettist Gene Scheer and director/choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar join creative forces to transform this unique true story into a musical masterpiece. The opera features an all-star cast led by soprano Janai Brugger as Mary Jane Bowser, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton as Elizabeth Van Lew and mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges as Lucinda. These award- winning artists create a riveting performance, capturing the nuance and suspense of Heggie’s acclaimed new opera in this exciting launch of Houston Grand Opera’s record label.

---

Houston Grand Opera Orchestra Kwamé Ryan, conductor Janai Brugger, soprano Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano Libretto by Gene Scheer