Summary

Givonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss the mission of OperaCréole; their efforts to perform and record the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé; and the cultural context significance of their work in New Orleans. They explore themes of empowerment, resistance, and the rich history of Black women in the arts, while also looking ahead to future projects that honor the legacy of Black composers and engage the community in classical music.

Show notes

• OperaCréole website: https://www.operacreole.org/
• Edmond Dédé: Learn more
• Sister Mary Elise, a White member of St. Katharine Drexel's Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded National Opera Ebony, a national Black touring company, in 1973. https://www.operaebony.org/

Chapters

01:53 The origins of OperaCréole

04:11 New Orleans: A historical center for opera

06:19 Personal journeys into the opera scene

10:48 The intersection of sacred and Black music

14:13 Rediscovering Edmond Dédé's opera "Morgiane"

23:13 The journey to the "Morgiane" premiere

30:03 Touring the production

37:23 Cultural context and historical significance

49:22 Future aspirations for Morgiane and OperaCréole

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