February 20th 2024.
OperaCréole of New Orleans is on a mission to breathe new life into the oldest piece of music created by a Black American artist. They have joined forces with Opera Lafayette to bring Edmond Dédé's "Morgiane" to the stage for its very first live performance. After almost a year of hard work, this show aims to shine a spotlight on a Black composer in the world of opera, whose talent has never received the recognition it deserves. Dédé's work was believed to have been forgotten, until it was rediscovered in Harvard's Houghton Library. Thanks to a generous donation from a former archivist from Xavier University of Louisiana, OperaCréole has been granted the privilege of reviving this masterpiece for a modern audience. With the help of Opera Lafayette, a company that specializes in period instrument opera, the over 500 pages of music will be transcribed and played for all to hear. In a press release, the artistic director designate, Patrick Dupre Quigley, expressed his belief that "Morgiane" deserves its rightful place in the history of American opera.
Quigley went on to say, " 'Morgiane' is the most significant piece of American music that has gone unheard. The American music community has been without this masterpiece for over 130 years. It is high time that Dédé and his music are recognized as a vital part of the American musical canon." This effort to showcase Dédé's work is a step towards justice for the many talented Black composers of the 19th century whose music was often overlooked. Dédé himself was a native of New Orleans and was part of a group of composers of color who played a crucial role in popularizing operetta in the city. Later in his career, he moved to Paris and composed over 75 arrangements, ranging from operetta to popular music and ballet. "Morgiane" was written during his time in France, specifically in the city of Bordeaux, towards the end of his career.
Performing this work in the city that first inspired Dédé's music is a tribute to all the Black musicians who were not given the recognition they deserved. It is a celebration of his artistic triumph and his significant place in the history of American opera. "Morgiane" will make its debut in New Orleans on November 20th, with future performances scheduled in Washington D.C. and New York in 2025. This long-awaited premiere is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dédé and his contribution to American music.
In related news, a Black opera singer recently made headlines after refusing to perform at a venue in Italy due to its offensive and racist performance. This serves as a reminder that even in the world of opera, there is still much work to be done in terms of recognizing and honoring the talents of Black artists. The revival of "Morgiane" is a step in the right direction towards acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of Black composers to the world of opera.
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