Complementary Programming Surrounding
The World Premiere of Dédé’s Morgiane
In anticipation of this historical world premiere, together with our partners, we have planned myriad events to engage, educate, and share the project with our audience and beyond. We invite you to join us for any and all of these curated events…
(Listed in Chronological Order)
Out of the Vault: Edmond Dédé’s Morgiane
Date: January 13 – February 28, 2025
Program Type: Exhibition
Description: See the manuscript of Morgiane, the first known opera by a Black American composer, on display in the Folger’s Out of the Vault exhibition January 13 – February 28. The manuscript is on loan from Houghton Library, Harvard University.
Venue: Robin and Roger Millay Gallery in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall at , 201 E Capital Street, Washington, DC
Tickets: Free; timed-entry pass recommended. Reserve your entry pass here
NOTE: If you are attending the Edmond Dédé and Morgiane Event on February 16, access to the exhibition pass is included with your free ticket.
Edmond Dédé and Morgiane
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Program Type: Panel Discussion
Description: Opera Lafayette and Folger Shakespeare Library present an engaging talk exploring the music of Black composer Edmond Dédé (1827—1903), accompanied by selections from his opera Morgiane.
Vocal artist, improvisor, and composer currently in residence with the American Composers Orchestra Mali Irene leads a conversation with OperaCréole Founder and Artistic Director Givonna Joseph and classical music scholars about Dédé’s biography and musical legacy. Panelists include Professor Nevilla Ottley and Ersian François of Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics.
Before the talk, see the manuscript of Morgiane, the first known opera by a Black American composer, on display in the Folger’s Out of the Vault exhibition January 13 – February 28. The manuscript is on loan from Houghton Library, Harvard University.
Venue: Folger Theatre, 201 E Capital Street, Washington, DC
Tickets: Free. Register here
Note: Can’t join us in person? Register here for virtual access to the live stream.
In Conversation with Givonna Joseph and Candace Bailey
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025, 6:00pm
Program Type: Pre-Performance Conversation
Description: Join Opera Lafayette in an engaging pre-performance conversation with OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph and Musicologist and author Candace Bailey, who will discuss the life and music of Black composer Edmond Dédé (1827—1903).
Venue: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC
Tickets: Free. No registration required
Creators in Conversation with OperaCréole and Opera Lafayette
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 8:00 – 9:00pm
Program Type: Panel Discussion
Description: This winter, OperaCréole, in partnership with Opera Lafayette, will present the world premiere of Edmond Dédé’s 1887 opera Morgiane, ou Le sultan d’Ispahan, the oldest known opera composed by a Black American. Join OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph and Opera Lafayette’s Patrick Quigley, the creative team of Morgiane, and Marc A. Scorca, president/CEO of OPERA America, for a dynamic conversation about bringing Dédé’s work out of the history books and onto the stage — delving into the production, its cultural significance, and the French Creole and Louisiana influences that shape it.
Venue: OPERA America’s National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY AND Livestreamed
Tickets: Opera America member $5; non-member $10; Students and livestreamed: free
Member registration here; Non-member registration here.
Note: Can’t join us in person? Register here for virtual access to the live stream.
In Conversation With: Givonna Joseph and Candace Bailey
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6:00pm
Program Type: Pre-Performance Conversation
Description: Join Opera Lafayette in an engaging pre-performance conversation with OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph and Musicologist and author Candace Bailey, who will discuss the life and music of Black composer Edmond Dédé (1827—1903).
Venue: Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall
Tickets: Free. No registration required
In Conversation With: Givonna Joseph and Candace Bailey
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025, 6:00pm
Program Type: Pre-Performance Conversation
Description: Join Opera Lafayette in an engaging pre-performance conversation with OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph and Musicologist and author Candace Bailey, who will discuss the life and music of Black composer Edmond Dédé (1827—1903).
Venue: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Dekelboum Hall, 8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD
Tickets: Free. No registration required