What could an opera composer possibly have in common with a war photographer?

Turns out, quite a bit, as we learned at State of the Arts last month. Jake Heggie  composed Moby Dick, Dead Man Walking and, coming up at the Fort Worth Opera this year, Three Decembers. Kael Alford’s work as a photojournalist has taken her to the Balkans, Iraq and most recently, impoverished areas of coastal Louisiana.  And the two were surprised to learn how much they shared, from struggles to fund their projects, to their research and creative process, to the craving for professional feedback.

Please join us for the next State of the Arts Thursday March 15 at 7:30 at the Dallas Museum of Art.  Host Jeff Whittington will lead a conversation with scenic designer Beowulf Boritt and conceptual artist Nick Nicosia.

And enjoy this video recap of State of the Arts with Jake Heggie and Kael Alford:

Intro, with a performance by Heggie:

Part 2: Getting Started

Part 3: Turning Passions into Careers

Part 4: Storytelling

Part 5:  The Creative Process

Part 6: Q/A From the Audience