The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and New Orleans native Terence Blanchard will team up to present the world-premier full performance of Blanchard’s ‘A Tale of God’s Will: A Requiem for Katrina’ on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans.
Blanchard is a multi–GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter, and composer and will premier under the baton of Music Director Matthew Kraemer as the LPO and Blanchard’s E-Collective ensemble bring the work and story to life.
The concert serves as the LPO’s 2024-25 benefit event, with proceeds supporting the orchestra’s education and community programs. Proceeds from the benefit concert will fund the LPO’s extensive education and community initiatives, including programs such as –
- 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.
“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,” Blanchard said, according to Offbeat. “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.”
“We are honored to mark this significant anniversary with a powerful celebration of music and remembrance,” LPO Music Director Matthew Kraemer added. “Collaborating with New Orleans’ own jazz icon Terence Blanchard allows us to tell the story of our city’s resilience through music.”
Tickets are available at LPOMusic.com or by calling 504-523-6530.
