Patrick Quigley Discusses the “Miracle” of Edmond Dédé’s ‘Morgiane’ With The New York Times

A recent New York Times profile dove deep into the history of Edmond Dédé’s opera Morgianne, which only just had its world premiere in New Orleans despite being written in 1887. Patrick Quigley, who is conducting a shortened version of the opera (the original is 545 pages long) for Opera Lafayette and OperaCréole, spoke at length to reporter and bestselling author Keith O’Brien about the process of first discovering Dédé’s work during COVID lockdowns, as well as the importance of using period- accurate instruments and a Black cast for what is believed to possibly be the oldest known opera by a Black composer. Click the link below to read the full piece now, or click here to check out Quigley’s recent Washington Post interview to promote Morgianne.