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Did you know that the first complete opera by a Black American has been lost for over 130 years?

Edmond Dédé, a fourth-generation free person of color born in 1827 New Orleans, had an incredibly successful career as a conductor and composer in Bordeaux, France, writing nearly 100 critically and popularly acclaimed works for the French stage. His magnum opus, however—a four act French grand opera on themes from Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves—had yet to receive a premiere at the time of his death, and languished, unrecognized, in private collections and libraries for more than a century.

Opera Lafayette, in partnership with New Orleans’ OperaCréole, has painstakingly transcribed this monumental work and will present the long overdue world premiere of Dédé’s masterpiece.

Be among the first people in the world to hear this amazing work — 138 years after its composition.

Featuring:

Mary Elizabeth Williams, soprano
Kenneth Kellogg, bass
Chauncey Packer, tenor
Joshua Conyers, baritone
Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone

The OperaCréole Chorus

The Opera Lafayette Orchestra

Opera Lafayette is grateful for the help of our community partners and sponsors, including the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Folger Shakespeare Library, Ford Foundation, Opera America, and Opera Ebony.

Any tickets suspected of being purchased for the sole purpose of reselling can be cancelled at the discretion of Lincoln Theatre / Ticketmaster, and buyers may be denied future ticket purchases for I.M.P. shows. Opening acts, door times, and set times are always subject to change.