Jake Heggie, composer of the operas Dead Man Walking and End of the Affair, was in town last weekend as part of a star-studded jury for an opera scholarship competition at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Besides judging, Heggie spoke to classes about his work and conducted a master class on Monday.

Hearing CCM's talent made Heggie optimistic about the future of opera and "excited about writing opera for a whole new generation of singers," he says.

"I was also blown away by the level of young talent there," says the composer, who has worked professionally with many CCM graduates and counts several as friends: Catherine Cook, Kristin Clayton, Kristy Kates and Tony-winning composer Stephen Flaherty.

Jake Heggie, pianist and composer of Dead Man Walking, says "CCM has such an amazing reputation around the country." Associated Press file

"CCM has such an amazing reputation around the country, and I see now where it all comes from," he says. "The singers we heard at the competition were, overall, extremely poised, confident, well-prepared and thoughtful performers. There were many engaging and interesting choices made in repertoire and interpretation.

"I get so moved when I hear young singers working so hard. It's one of the toughest professions to pursue - and it takes such hard work, discipline and guts."

He says that End of the Affair (based on the Graham Greene novel), which opened in Houston last month, has been scheduled by four more opera companies: Madison Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Pacific and the Sydney Opera House. At the moment, he's working on a new musical with Terrence McNally - "a sort of opera/musical combo that I've always wanted to try. And four big song cycles."

And the winners are: Alicia Gianni, 24, won the $10,000 Corbett Award. The award guarantees a stage audition with New York City Opera.

Joshua Jeremiah, 24, won the $7,500 Italo Tajo Memorial Award.

Audrey Luna, 25, won the $7,500 Andrew White Memorial Award.

Faith Sherman, 22, won the $5,000 Norman Treigle Memorial Award, which also includes an audition with New York City Opera.

Eric Schmidt, 26, won the $5,000 Artman/Straub Award.

All singers received full-tuition scholarships, in addition to their cash prizes.

The other judges were: Christopher Hahn, artistic director of Pittsburgh Opera; Sheri Greenawald, soprano and director of San Francisco Opera Center; and Cliff Jackson, the coach/accompanist for stars such as Kathleen Battle and Simon Estes.

Pratt up for CCM post: Concert pianist Awadagin Pratt gave a recital and master class at CCM while in town to perform on the Xavier Piano Series last week. He was one of four candidates interviewing for the piano faculty post left vacant by the untimely death of William Black in December. Pratt has been featured in Newsweek, People, USA Weekend and was one of "50 Leaders of Tomorrow" in Ebony magazine's 50th anniversary issue.

Beyer at Art Museum: The Beyer Musical Society opens its 55th season at 2:30 p.m. today, Cincinnati Art Museum, with a concert including harp, piano, and rising star opera singers performing art song, Gospel and light opera.

Included in the festivities, the group will present museum director Timothy Rub with the Key to the City.

The concert celebrates the 80th annual National Music Week by the National Federation of Music Clubs. The society provides performing opportunities for young artists in three recitals annually. It's free. Information: 721-2787.

Earl Hamner honored: The electronic media division of CCM will honor Earl Hamner, creator of The Waltons and Falcon Crest, with the Frederic W. Ziv Award for outstanding achievement in telecommunication on May 12. Hamner's work in television has earned him an Emmy, six Christopher Awards and the George Foster Peabody Award. His memoir, Good Night John-Boy, recounts how his family inspired The Waltons.

UC president Nancy Zimpher will present the award. The banquet also honors exceptional CCM electronic media students. Information: 556-9488.

London Symphony tour: The London Symphony Orchestra will make its Cincinnati debut on Sept. 13, when it comes to the U.S. Bank Arena. Dirk Brosse will conduct a concert of Hollywood film scores (Titanic, ET, Harry Potter and more). Who cares about the acoustics, when you've got a laser light show, special effect sequences on a high wire and film clips during the music? Tickets ($19-$96; VIP seating, $250, including dinner and post-concert reception) go on sale 10 a.m. Monday at 562-4949; or www.ticketmaster.com.

E-mail jgelfand@enquirer.com