Devastating Stroke Inspires Young Composer's Opera

Brett Dietz was only 29 when he suffered a major stroke

Devastating Stroke Inspires Young Composer's Opera
01/22/2010   Reported By: Tom Porter

Brett Dietz was only 29 when he suffered a major stroke. It left him partially paralyzed and completely unable to speak. His doctors held out little hope that he would regain those functions, but after more than a year of rehab, his brain did manage to heal itself, pretty much. And today Dietz has almost fully recovered. His neurologist suggested he write a book about his experience, but being a composer, Dietz decided to write a piece of music instead -- an opera in fact. The result is "Headcase," which is being performed by the Portland Symphony Orchestra this Sunday.

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