"Songs for Murdered Sisters" is a profound and deeply moving song cycle composed by Jake Heggie, featuring powerful lyrics by Margaret Atwood and the stirring vocals of Joshua Hopkins. Released on March 5, 2021, via PENTATONE, this album is a poignant response to the epidemic of gender-based violence and a tribute to Hopkins' sister, who was tragically lost to this violence. The album comprises eight songs, each exploring different facets of grief, anger, and remembrance, all set to Heggie's evocative piano compositions. The cycle begins with "Empty Chair" and concludes with the haunting "Coda (Song)," each piece weaving a tapestry of sorrow, reflection, and ultimately, a call for change. At just 27 minutes, this album is a concise yet impactful exploration of loss and the enduring power of memory. Heggie, known for his powerful and thought-provoking works such as "Dead Man Walking," brings his signature depth and sensitivity to this collaborative project with Atwood. The album was nominated for a Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year (Solo or Chamber Ensemble) in 2022, underscoring its artistic merit and resonance. "Songs for Murdered Sisters" is a testament to the power of music and words to honor the past and inspire a better future.
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