On Sunday August 30, OperaCréole was honored to have Donnie Ray Albert with us to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Givonna Joseph, Founder & Donnie Ray Albert

Prentiss Mouton, 2015 winner of the George Shirley Competition, Aria Mason, Givonna Joseph, Founder, Ebonee Davis, Brandon Richardson and Dr. Wilfred Delphin, pianist 

Givonna Joseph writes:

La Nouvelle Orléans…the city we love, entered the new millennium with a renewed appreciation for its Creole roots. Putting the colorism of the past behind us, the contributions of free people of color: classical composers, property owners, fabric importers, furniture craftsmen, civil rights pioneers  and inventors, were being celebrated with new vigor and understanding.

The Tignon reappeared in all its glory not as the head wrapping of oppression, but a symbol of beauty for defiance. 

But Katrina, the grand dame of Jezebels, was a major threat to our beloved city. Some of us left, and some didn’t. But one thing was true for all of us. We had no idea how our past, our dreams and our lives, just like one big Tignon, would begin to unravel.

OperaCréole singers shared songs that were important to our history as a city, important to their faith and aided in their survival.

The Tignon would not be denied. She is back and she loves her city and is ready for its future.    

Mr. Albert was also in the city to promote the new opera "Wading Home" by Rosalyn Story and Mary Alice Rich.

Performances in New Orleans will be September 12, 13 and in Dallas, on September 15.

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Givonna Joseph
Founder, Director, OperaCréole
Mezzo-Soprano

cell 504-952-5240

www.operacreole.com
www.givonnajoseph.com
Author: Examiner.com

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Thank you! Givonna Joseph www.operacreole.com

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