In Search of the Lost Maestro: Rediscovering Edmond Dédé

Did you know that for more than a century, one of America’s greatest operas was lost to history?

Born in New Orleans in 1827 as a free person of color, Edmond Dédé became one of the most accomplished classical musicians of the 19th century. Trained in the European tradition and deeply rooted in Creole culture, he built a remarkable career in France, where he conducted orchestras and composed nearly 150 works. Yet his greatest achievement, a four-act French grand opera titled Morgiane ou le Sultan d’Ispahan, was never performed during his lifetime.

More than a century later, Morgiane was rediscovered in the archives of Harvard University, where librarian Andrea Cawelti uncovered the handwritten score. This extraordinary find sparked an international effort to restore and bring Dédé’s long-forgotten masterpiece to the stage.

In 2025, Morgiane finally premiered in New Orleans, followed by performances in Washington, D.C., and at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, marking a historic moment in American music history.

French filmmaker Marguerite de Bourgoing will present her ongoing documentary research on Edmond Dédé and the remarkable journey of Morgiane. She will be joined by Andrea Cawelti of Harvard University, who will share the story of the manuscript’s discovery. The evening will also feature recorded musical excerpts from Morgiane, from the newly released audio by Opera Lafayette.

The conversation will be moderated by Morgan Beckford, Director of Learning at Boston Lyric Opera, a soprano committed to broadening access to opera and celebrating diverse musical voices.

This event offers a rare opportunity to rediscover a forgotten master and celebrate a powerful chapter of transatlantic and African American musical history.
Watch this video of the making of Morgiane
Event in English. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A with the audience, and a reception with light refreshments.

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Host or Publisher The French Library