The New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) will pay tribute to composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger Moses Hogan with a dedication ceremony and recital on June 16. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hogan’s passing, the event will occur at the New Orleans Opera Guild Home, accompanied by a ceremony dedicating his cherished 50-year-old Yamaha grand piano.

The New Orleans Opera Association, in collaboration with the Black Admnistrators of Opera Symposium, is organizing the ceremony as part of a more extensive series of events from June 14-17. Regrettably, this event is not open to the general public.

Dr. Tara A. Melvin, NOOA’s Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, expressed the significance of honoring Moses Hogan, stating, “Maestro Hogan is not only part of New Orleans history but part of classical music history. This piano dedication is a significant moment in NOOA’s history and marks our renewed commitment to preserve the legacies of Black artists and their invaluable contributions to American culture.”

Born and raised in New Orleans, Moses Hogan is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost arrangers of American Spirituals. He made significant contributions to American choral music, with his influential works still performed and cherished today. A recital featuring performances of sacred texts, works by Hogan, and a NOOA premiere of a newly composed song cycle titled “To Meditate in His Temple” by Black American composer Maria Thompson-Corley will follow the dedication ceremony.

To support the restoration efforts for Hogan’s grand piano, the New Orleans Opera Association has initiated a crowd-sourcing fundraiser. Individuals interested in contributing to this cause can find more information on the Opera’s website.

The New Orleans Opera Association, which will commence its 81st season on July 1, 2023, is dedicated to enriching lives by producing operas of the highest artistic caliber and providing educational opportunities through traditional and innovative approaches. NOOA aims to connect people to the arts and each other through the transformative power of opera.