Historic New Orleans Collection to host 18th annual Musical Louisiana concert: Echoes of Innovation

Written By Alicia Vial

Free concert to honor 19th-century composers and innovators at the St. Louis Cathedral features the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests  

NEW ORLEANS — The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) will co-present the 18th annual Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum in the St. Louis Cathedral Wednesday, March 4. Admission is free.

Curated by Alvin Jackson of Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum, the concert will present “Echoes of Innovation” celebrating 19th-century composers and innovators featuring works by Basile Barès, Charles Lucien Lambert, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Edmond Dédé, Thomas J. Martin and more. Pairing composers alongside civic and cultural pioneers of their day, “Echoes of Innovation” reflects the interplay of art and society as a reminder that art never exists in isolation—its creation is always rooted in the world that shapes it.

"Almost eight years after my initial foray into the great world of classical music, I finally met a group of likeminded people who shared my belief that this historic music needed to be properly presented to the public. It is with this combined passion and creative nuances for these Afro-Creoles composers of classical music that has inspired us to do more to bridge the gap between that which for centuries has divided and silenced the world of music in America," said Jackson.

The GRAMMY® Award–winning LPO will be joined by guest artists Doreen Ketchens, OperaCréole, Oscar Rossignoli and Geovane Santos under the baton of Daniela Candillari.

“This collaboration allows us to honor the brilliant 19th-century Creole innovators whose work laid the foundation for the New Orleans sound we cherish today,” said LPO Executive Director Anwar Nasir. “By bringing these voices to the forefront, we are celebrating the profound truth that our music and our history are inextricably linked.”

Jackson will host a preconcert talk at HNOC’s Williams Research Center (410 Chartres St.) ahead of the concert. The discussion, facilitated by historian Jari C. Honora, will begin at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) and conclude in time for attendees to walk to the St. Louis Cathedral for the concert.

“Since 2007, Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage has showcased Louisiana’s contributions to the world of classical music,” said HNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer. “By bringing these archival stories to life in the heart of the city, HNOC serves as more than just a repository; HNOC is a vital steward of our shared identity, ensuring that the innovations of the past remain a living source of inspiration for our community today.”

Musical Louisiana is a free, educational concert for music lovers in New Orleans and throughout the state. Dedicated to the study of Louisiana’s contributions to the world of classical music, the award-winning concert series reaches an audience of more than 30,000 individuals through live radio broadcasts and online video streaming. This year's concert will be streamed live on LPOmusic.com and WLAE.com.

This program is made possible with support from Steinway Piano Gallery of New Orleans and New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund. Additional support is provided by the New Orleans City Council–Caesars New Orleans Casino Community Support Grant.

Musical Louisiana is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Seating at the St. Louis Cathedral will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors for the concert open at 7 p.m. RSVP at www.hnoc.org to receive concert reminders and email updates.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection:
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

About the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra:
Steeped in history yet focused on innovation, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is the only full-time collaboratively governed and operated orchestra in the United States.  Under the leadership of Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, the LPO is rooted in a culturally diverse community with a two-hundred-year orchestral music tradition and sets the standard for orchestral programming and performance in Louisiana.  For our sixty-seven musicians, achieving the highest level of artistry is integrally linked with a personal investment in our organization and our community.  Visit lpomusic.com to learn more.  

About Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum:
Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich, global story of jazz—beginning with its African roots and tracing its journey through the Caribbean to its birthplace in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. Visit tremespetitjazzmuseum.org to learn more.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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