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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

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 {…}

Business, News

West Edge Opera Adds Vocal Artists to Major Leadership Positions

https://operawire.com/west-edge-opera-adds-vocal-artists-to-major-leadership-positions/

West Edge Opera has announced that vocal artists Efraín Solís and Kenneth Kellogg will be taking on leadership roles in the company. Solís is joining as a voting member of the board of directors while Kellogg will take on the position of Director of Marketing and Engagement. The company’s goal of including the baritone and bass in leadership is to {…}

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 {…}

News

Lyric Opera of Chicago Presents Special Events for ‘Blue’ Premiere

https://operawire.com/lyric-opera-of-chicago-presents-special-events-for-blue-premiere/

(Photo credit: Clärchen & Matthias Baus/Dutch National Opera) Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s “Blue” makes its Lyric Opera of Chicago premiere from Nov. 16 to Dec. 1. The company has announced special events to take place in conjunction with the opera. Lyric Unlimited, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Learning and Civic Engagement department, invites the public into spaces of reflection, healing, {…}

News

Opera Lafayette Announces 204-25 Season

https://operawire.com/opera-lafayette-announces-204-25-season/

Opera Lafayette announces its 30th anniversary season. Soprano Amel Brahim-Djelloul performs in the Ensemble Amedyez and and Kalanidhi Dance in the opening event, “RE|CLAIM.” Performance Dates: October 21, 22, & 24, 2024 “RE | STORE” events are centered around Edmond Dédé’s “Morgiane.” The cast features sopranos Mary Elizabeth Williams and Lindsey Reynolds, tenor Chauncey Packer, baritone Joshua Conyers, bass-baritone Jonathan {…}

News

Seattle Opera Unveils Lineup of Events to Celebrate World Premiere of ‘Jubilee’

https://operawire.com/seattle-opera-unveils-lineup-of-events-to-celebrate-world-premiere-of-jubilee/

(Image from Seattle Opera Website) Seattle Opera is set to present a series of events ahead of the world premiere of Tazewell Thompson’s “Jubilee” this October. “The story of ‘Jubilee’ is such a moving one because it is about real people who led full lives and overcame significant challenges,” said Dennis Robinson Jr., Director of Programs and Partnerships, in an {…}

News

Black Leadership Arts Collective To Present Inaugural Gala

https://operawire.com/black-leadership-arts-collective-to-present-inaugural-gala/

On August 23, the Black Leadership Arts Collective (B.L.A.C.) will present an Inaugural Gala. The evening will feature musical favorites at Manhattan School of Music, featuring members of B.L.A.C. and Grammy-nominated pianist Kevin Miller hosted by Terrance McKnight. Soloists will include Russell Thomas, Morris Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, J’Nai Bridges, Kenneth Kellogg, Kenneth Overton, Nicole Heaston, and Lawrence Brownlee. The proceeds {…}