Classical Music In Colors

Opera Creole Continues Performing The Sounds Of History After Morgiane

September 4, 2026/0 Comments/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

Morgiane, the opera by Louisiana native Edmond Dédé got national and international attention when it was performed and recorded earlier this year. This 1887 opera was finally included in the opera canon after 138 years and a 12-year effort by Givonna Joseph, Artistic Director of Opera Creole in New Orleans. This opera company continues singing about historical events in the Black community of New Orleans and beyond as they prepare for their 2026-2027 season.

Here are links to other items mentioned in the podcast.

Yuja Wang + Documentary

Manon, Like You’ve Never Heard It Before

August 28, 2026/0 Comments/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

Heartbeat Opera in New York has a reputation for modern reimagining’s of classic operas. They did it earlier this year with their production of Manon by Jules Massenet. Now they’ve done something they’ve never done before. They called back the cast to record a cast album of the show. It was a revelation for the cast, especially for the two leads, Emma Grimsley and Matt Dengler.

Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the show.

**The New York Philharmonic Youth Choir**

**The Fall Chant Retreat of the Community of Jesus**

The Last “Uncovered” Album

August 20, 2026/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

Since 2021, the Catalyst Quartet has released albums of the music of Black composers.

The series called Uncovered featured the works of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence B. Price, Coleridge-Taylor, Perkinson, William Grant Still, and George Walker.

The latest and last album features the works of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The National Symphony Orchestra won’t be performing at the Kennedy Center this coming season. They’re performing all over the Washington DC area and in other cities.

The BBC Proms continues with an All American program and a performance from the American Soprano Angel Blue.