Edmond Dédé and Morgiane

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.

Tickets: Free. Register here.

Note: Can’t join us in person? Register here for virtual access to the live stream.