February 22, 2026
The Lisette Project: Haitian Creole Music
The Lisette Project: Haitian Creole Music
Sunday, February 22, 2026 • 2:30pm
Levy Hall, Rodef Shalom, Shadyside
This program features “Lisette quitté la plaine,” the oldest known song text in early Haitian Creole. Composed around 1757 in Saint-Domingue by French colonist Duvivier de la Mahautière, it tells the poignant story of an enslaved African man. Set to the popular French melody “Que ne suis-je la fougère,” the song weaves together Creole and European elements. The program follows its remarkable journey across Haiti, France, Cuba, New Orleans, and back to its place of origin in Haiti.
ARTISTS
Jean-Bernard Cerin baritone
Michele Kennedy soprano
Nicholas Mathew fortepiano/piano
Scott Pauley baroque guitar
Related Partners
Chatham Baroque315 Shady Ave.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206