Discover the Unheard Masterpiece
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is inviting everyone to experience the powerful narrative of revenge, truth, and reconciliation in Edmond Dédé's Morgaine, the earliest known surviving full-length opera by a Black American composer, debuting on Thursday, January 23.
This iconic event, hosted by Musical Louisiana, promises to be a celebration of Dédé's legacy and the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. This epoch-making historic debut is made possible through the collaboration and partnership of the HNOC, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), OperaCréole, and DC-based Opera Lafayette.
From Manuscript to Stage

When New Orleans OperaCréole's cofounder Giovonna Joseph learned of Dédé's recently uncovered manuscript, she went on a venture to bring his opera to life on stage for the world to cherish. Her dream has finally come to fruition after more than a decade of commitment to her work. The premiere of Morgaine marks a crucial moment in the revival of New Orlean's composer Dédé's legacy, melody, and way of life. The city will finally discover this until now unheard masterpiece in the composer's birthplace, in the same church he was baptized nearly two centuries ago in January of 1828.
A Commitment to Musical Education
Founded by Alfred E. Lemmon, the late director of the HNOC's Williams Research Center in 2007, Musical Louisiana: America's Cultural Heritage has offered free annual, educational concerts for music lovers in New Orleans and throughout the state. They have dedicated their research to the study of Louisiana's contributions to the world of classical music. Over the years, the award-winning series has reached an audience of more than 30,000 individuals through live radio broadcasts and online video streaming of the concert.
For years, the HNOC has leveraged its platform to preserve the history of New Orleans' culture, as well as that of the Gulf South. It is a museum, research center, and publisher that focuses on the heritage of New Orleans and the Southern region.
Event Details

The HNOC will host a pre-concert panel discussion with Joseph and Patrick Dupre Quigley (Opera Lafayette), Dédé biographer Sally McKee (University of California, Davis), and musicologist Candace Bailey (North Carolina Central University), which will be moderated by HNOC family historian Jari C. Honora.
The pre-concert lecture will be held at 5 p.m. inside of the HNOC's Williams Research Center on 410 Chartres St. and the concert will begin for guests inside of the St. Louis Cathedral, located on 615 Pere Antoine Alley, at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come to witness Musical Louisiana's premiere of Morgaine as it is open to the public and free of charge. However, it is encouraged to get there early because all seats are first-come, first serve. Registration does not guarantee a seat.
If you aren't able to grab a seat in person. You can still attend the live-streamed concert online via LPOmusic.com and WLAE.com.
If you live in the New Orleans area, WWNO will also broadcast the program on 89.9 FM and Classical 104.9 FM. If you live in the Houma-Thibodaux area, WWNO will broadcast the program on KTLN 90.5 FM.
RSVP at hnoc.org to receive concert reminders and email updates.