Forgotten for 138 years, a Black composer's magnum opus finds a stage

NPR | By Matt Bloom

Published February 3, 2025 at 4:42 AM EST

Morgiane, perhaps the oldest opera by a Black American, finally receives its full public performance, shedding light on the forgotten heyday of opera in New Orleans.

Matt Bloom

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Instagram head Adam Mosseri testifies in defense of Meta in child safety trial

John Ruwitch

The social media giant is being sued by four states who allege it designed Facebook and Instagram to hook kids — and lied to the public about the risks.
Dolly Parton brought music and books to the world

Courtney Dorning, Lauren Hodges, Ailsa Chang

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Jeff Conyers, president and vice chair of the Dollywood Foundation, about Dolly Parton's philanthropy, including the Imagination Library.
Tulsa bakes in high temperatures and high electric bills

Scott Horsley

The cost of electricity has been rising faster than inflation. Tulsa, Okla., has been baking in triple-digit temperatures. And some residents are in danger of having their power cut off.
Mexican cattle allowed in the U.S. after a yearlong ban

Nina Kravinsky

A border crossing in Arizona opened to cattle from Mexico for the first time in more than a year. This despite a parasite being found on the Mexican side. U.S. ranchers are upset.
What the Supreme Court's ruling on mail-in voting means for Nevada's voters

Brianna Scott, Mallory Yu, Ailsa Chang

The Supreme Court on Monday handed President Trump an interim win in his effort to limit mail-in voting.