The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), in collaboration with multi–GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and New Orleans native Terence Blanchard, will present the world-premiere full performance of Blanchard’s A Tale of God’s Will: A Requiem for Katrina. This landmark event will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans.

Under the baton of Music Director Matthew Kraemer, the LPO and Blanchard’s E-Collective ensemble will bring to life the acclaimed work, which poignantly reflects on the devastation and resilience that followed Hurricane Katrina. The concert serves as the LPO’s 2024-25 benefit event, with proceeds supporting the orchestra’s education and community programs.

Blanchard’s A Tale of God’s Will originated as a deeply personal response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Released in 2008, the album earned a GRAMMY® Award for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album” and has been praised as one of the most profound musical statements in modern jazz. This concert marks the first time the work will be performed in its entirety, accompanied by visuals from Blanchard’s collaborator, Andrew F. Scott, featuring still images from post-Katrina New Orleans.

“Silence was all I heard when I listened for the music of my requiem for Hurricane Katrina, and it is the dominant memory of the first time I visited my mother’s house after the flood. Standing in front of her house I heard no birds, no one cutting grass, no insects, no cars – nothing,” says Blanchard. “The city I love is no longer silent, as it was that day I arrived at my mother’s house after the storm. One thing is for certain – music will always represent the heart, soul, spirit, and personality of this diverse culture. It will continue to tell our stories – good and bad – and to be heard.”

The LPO, itself deeply affected by Katrina, has been a beacon of cultural restoration in the city. The concert is a reflection on the progress made over 20 years, celebrating the city’s recovery and resilience.

“We are honored to mark this significant anniversary with a powerful celebration of music and remembrance,” said LPO Music Director Matthew Kraemer. “Collaborating with New Orleans’ own jazz icon Terence Blanchard allows us to tell the story of our city’s resilience through music.”

A trailblazer in jazz, opera, and film composition, Terence Blanchard is an eight-time GRAMMY® winner and two-time Oscar nominee. His groundbreaking works include Fire Shut Up in My Bones, the first opera by an African-American composer to premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. Blanchard’s artistry bridges genres and generations, addressing critical social issues and elevating the cultural narrative of New Orleans.

Proceeds from the benefit concert will fund the LPO’s extensive education and community initiatives, including programs like:

• LPO Academy, offering one-on-one mentorship for aspiring musicians.
• Soul Strings, a music therapy-informed program supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Partnerships with New Orleans Public Schools, providing thousands of students with free access to live orchestral performances.

As the only full-time, musician-governed orchestra in the United States, the LPO combines world-class artistry with deep community engagement. With a rich history and innovative programming, the LPO continues to set the standard for orchestral excellence in Louisiana.

Tickets range from $40 to $125 and are available for purchase at www.lpomusic.com or by calling 504.523.6530. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to support the LPO’s mission of enriching lives through music.

Requiem for Katrina