Creators in Conversation with OperaCréole & Opera Lafayette

This winter, OperaCréole, in collaboration with Opera Lafayette, will present the world premiere of Edmond Dédé’s 1887 opera Morgiane, ou Le sultan d’Ispahan, the oldest known opera composed by a Black American. Join Givonna Joseph, founder and artistic director, OperaCréole; Eldric Bashful, general director, Opera Ebony; Patrick Quigley, conductor; Lisa Mion, managing director, Opera Lafayette; and Marc A. Scorca, president/CEO of OPERA America, for a dynamic conversation about bringing Dédé’s work out of the history books and onto the stage — delving into the production, its cultural significance, and the French Creole and Louisiana influences that shape it.

FEATURING

• Marc A. Scorca, OPERA America President/CEO
• Givonna Joseph, founder/artistic director, OperaCréole
• Eldric Bashful, general director, Opera Ebony
• Patrick Quigley, conductor
• Lisa Mion, managing director, Opera Lafayette

The 2024–2025 season of OPERA America Onstage is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Programming at the National Opera Center is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.