New Orleans is set to witness a momentous occasion as the city prepares for the world premiere of "Morgiane," an opera composed by Edmond Dédé, a free man of color. This long-awaited production, which will take place on January 23 at St. Louis Cathedral, marks a significant milestone in musical history. The opera, originally written in 1887 while Dédé resided in Bordeaux, France, has never been performed until now. The initiative to stage this piece has been spearheaded by Givonna Joseph and her daughter Aria Mason, co-founders of OperaCréole, a group dedicated to reviving the works of 19th-century composers who were free people of color. The shortened version of the opera, lasting 65 minutes without intermission, will tour several cities including Washington, D.C., and New York City over the coming month.

The journey to bring "Morgiane" to life has been a decade-long endeavor fueled by passion and perseverance. Givonna Joseph, alongside her daughter Aria Mason, embarked on this mission with the aim of showcasing the rich musical heritage of composers like Dédé, whose works were largely overlooked during the Jim Crow era. Dédé's compositions, though primarily created while he lived in France, reflect his deep connection to New Orleans. His opera "Morgiane," named after its leading character, remained unstaged for over a century, until Joseph and Mason took up the challenge.

The upcoming performance represents not only a revival of forgotten music but also a celebration of cultural heritage. For much of the past year and a half, Joseph and Mason collaborated closely with Opera Lafayette to transcribe Dédé's original 550-page handwritten manuscript into a performable score. Patrick Dupre Quigley, a fellow New Orleanian and the artistic director designee of Opera Lafayette, will conduct the orchestra. Quigley, who studied at prestigious institutions such as Notre Dame and Yale, expressed profound admiration for the music, noting that there was no reason it should have remained unheard since its creation. The opera will be performed in French, with English translations projected above the stage, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.

Mason emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it has been a labor of love for her mother, who has tirelessly pursued this vision. The cast for the New Orleans production includes talented performers such as soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams as Morgiane, bass Kenneth Kellogg as Sultan Kouroushah, and Taylor J. White as Amine. The supporting cast features equally accomplished artists, adding depth and richness to the performance. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the musical accompaniment, while the Historic New Orleans Collection has sponsored the event, highlighting the community's support for this historic endeavor.

This premiere signifies a triumph of dedication and collaboration. It offers a platform for underrepresented voices from the past to resonate in the present, bridging historical gaps and enriching the cultural landscape. As the curtain rises on "Morgiane," it heralds a new chapter in the recognition of Dédé's contributions to music, celebrating both his legacy and the enduring spirit of artistic innovation.