2025

We are excited to work with wonderful partners like

Washington, D.C.-based Opera Lafayette,

The Historic New Orleans Collection and The Louisiana  Philharmonic Orchestra

for the

World Premiere of

Edmond Dédé's 1887 opera

​

Morgiane

​

HOMECOMING: New Orleans, January 23, 2025

RESTORE: Washington, D.C., New York City, and Maryland, February 3-7th

About the Production

​

Did you know that the first complete opera by a Black American has been hidden in a single manuscript for over 130 years? Edmond Dédé, a fourth-generation free person of color born in 1827 New Orleans, had an incredibly successful career as a conductor and composer in Bordeaux, France, writing nearly 100 critically and popularly acclaimed works for the French stage. His magnum opus, however—a four act French grand opera on themes from Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves—had yet to receive a premiere at the time of his death, and languished, unrecognized, in private collections and libraries for over a century.

Opera Lafayette, with Artistic Director Designate Patrick Quigley, and in partnership with New Orleans’ Givonna Joseph, Founder of OperaCréole, has painstakingly transcribed this monumental work and will present the long overdue world premiere of Dédé’s masterpiece, 138 years after its composition.​