“Musical Louisiana” Brings Back 19th-Century Sound

The Historic New Orleans Collection, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum are teaming up for the 18th annual Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage concert on Wednesday, March 4–a free celebration of the city’s often-overlooked classical legacy. This year’s program, “Echoes of Innovation,” shines a spotlight on 19th-century Creole composers whose work helped shape the musical DNA of New Orleans long before jazz took center stage.

Curated by Petit Jazz Museum founder Alvin Jackson, the concert features music by Basile Barès, Charles Lucien Lambert, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Edmond Dédé and Thomas J. Martin, pairing their compositions with the broader story of the civic and cultural pioneers of their era. The result is a reminder that New Orleans’ sound has always been rooted in both artistry and history.

The GRAMMY Award–winning LPO, led by conductor Daniela Candillari, will be joined by guest artists including clarinetist Doreen Ketchens, OperaCréole, pianist Oscar Rossignoli and percussionist Geovane Santos.

Before the performance, Jackson will host a preconcert talk at HNOC’s Williams Research Center at 6 p.m., offering context for the music and the lives behind it. From there, audiences can stroll to the Cathedral for the 7 p.m. doors and evening performance.

Photo credit: HNOC