Decorative 19th-century sheet music cover titled “World’s Fair Polka-March” by Henry Wehrmann Jr. of New Orleans, featuring a circular sunburst design with red and blue rays radiating outward from stylized lettering.

Exhibition Opening Reception: The First Piano Players and the Lost Music of Early New Orleans

Thu, Apr 16, 2026

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint

Celebrate the opening of The First Piano Professors and the Lost Music of Early New Orleans, a new exhibition uncovering a largely unheard chapter of the city’s musical history.

Live music inspired by early New Orleans piano traditions
First access to the exhibition
Refreshments
An evening exploring the roots of American music

Be among the first to experience rediscovered 19th-century compositions that helped shape the sound of New Orleans—and, ultimately, jazz itself. Curated by pianist and archivist John Davis, the exhibition brings long-forgotten works back to life through rare sheet music, historic context, and newly recorded performances.

This event is FREE and open to the public.