16 search results for…

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Opera Lafayette & OperaCreole 2025 Review: Morgiane, ou Le Sultan d’Ispahan

https://operawire.com/opera-lafayette-2025-review-morgiane-ou-le-sultan-dispahan/

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Packard Photos, Courtesy of Opera Lafayette) “Defying harsh laws, braving even death, I was able to change my fate,” the titular Morgiane sings proudly in Edmond Dédé’s “Morgiane, ou Le Sultan d’Ispahan.” The same could be said of the composer. Born free in New Orleans in 1827, Dédé defied expectations of what a Black man in the {…}

News

OperaCréole & Opera Lafayette Debut the Earliest Extant Complete Opera by a Black American

https://operawire.com/operacreole-opera-lafayette-debut-the-earliest-extant-complete-opera-by-a-black-american/

OperaCréole and Opera Lafayette present Edmond Dédé’s the never-performed work “Morgiane.” Only recently discovered, “Morgiane” is believed to be the earliest extant complete opera by a Black American. The world premiere is presented in a concert version by Mary Elizabeth Williams, Kenneth Kellogg, Chauncey Packer, Joshua Conyers, Jonathan Woody, along with members of Opera Creole chorus. The Opera Lafayette Orchestra performs {…}

IndieOpera, News

Harlem Collective Opera Launches ‘The Black Composer Project’

https://operawire.com/harlem-collective-opera-launches-the-black-composer-project/

The Harlem Collective Opera has announced its newest initiative, “The Black Composer Project.” The Project is a multi-season artistic, educational, and recording initiative dedicated to preserving, performing, and promoting the extraordinary works of Black classical composers. While composers like Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, H. Leslie Adams, George Walker, Howard Swanson, William Grant Still, and many others have shaped American musical {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Joshua Conyers on His Life Story & ‘IN PLAIN SIGHT: The Black Anthology’

https://operawire.com/q-a-joshua-conyers-on-his-life-story-in-plain-sight-the-black-anthology/

Joshua Conyers is recognized as one of the leading dramatic baritones of today. Described by the New York Times as having a “sonorous baritone that wheedled and seduced” and by the Washington Post as having a “show stealing performance;” his is a remarkable story that starts in abject poverty, from the shelters, drug abuse, and violence of his childhood home {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

Christopher Tin, Christine Goerke, Clay Hilley, Julie Roset & Gunther Groissbock Lead new CD/DVD Releases

https://operawire.com/christopher-tin-christine-goerke-clay-hilley-julie-roset-gunther-groissbock-lead-new-cd-dvd-releases/

Welcome back as we explore the latest CD and DVD releases from around the opera world. This week, audiences get to hear a new ending to Puccini’s “Turandot” and various solo recitals from rising stars. Turandot: Christopher Tin Finale Christopher Tin’s new finale for “Turandot”  is released featuring soprano Christine Goerke in the title role, while heldentenor Clay Hilley sings {…}

Season Announcement

Lauren Snouffer, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm, Maya Kherani, James Reese Headline Opera Lafayette’s 2025-26 Season

https://operawire.com/lauren-snouffer-mary-elizabeth-williams-elijah-mccormack-chelsea-helm-maya-kherani-james-reese-headline-opera-lafayettes-2025-26-season/

Opera Lafayette has announced its 2025-26 season. First up is “Dido and Aeneas” starring Mary Elizabeth Williams, Elijah McCormack, and Chelsea Helm. Patrick Quigley conducts the Opera Lafayette Orchestra. Performance Dates: Oct. 16, 2025 (Washington DC), Oct. 20, 2025 (NYC) Then comes “Queen of Hearts,” a Valentine’s Day revel. Nic McGegan leads the concert, which features Maya Kherani and James Reese. {…}

News

Opera Lafayette to Celebrate Ryan Brown’s 30-Year Tenure & Farewell

https://operawire.com/opera-lafayette-to-celebrate-ryan-browns-30-year-tenure-farewell/

Opera Lafayette will celebrate 30 years of Ryan Brown on two separate occasions. The program, titled “RE|JOICE: 30 Years of Ryan Brown,” heads to New York City for a performance at St. Bartholomew Church on April 30, 2025. Then on May 1, the showcase will take the stage in Washington D.C. at The Kennedy Center. Both events will represent Brown’s {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams on Edmond Dédé’s Opera ‘Morgiane’

https://operawire.com/q-a-soprano-mary-elizabeth-williams-on-edmond-dedes-opera-morgiane/

(Photo Courtesy of Mary Elizabeth Williams.) Opera Lafayette and OperaCréole present “RE|STORE: Edmond Dédé’s ‘Morgiane’” in four cities across the U.S. including New Orleans, Washington, DC, New York City, and College Park, MD. The preview of this never-performed, long-lost masterpiece took place at the historical St. Louis Cathedral, where Dédé was baptized, featuring The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra playing modern instruments {…}

News

Winter Storm Forces Rescheduling of New Orleans Premiere of ‘Morgiane’

https://operawire.com/winter-storm-forces-rescheduling-of-new-orleans-premiere-of-morgiane/

Opera Creole and Opera Lafayette’s performance of Edmond Dédé’s “Morgiane” in New Orleans has been rescheduled due to a winter storm. The showcase of the earliest extant complete opera by a Black American will now take place on Jan. 24 at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. The preview performance kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT. Following the New {…}