Nicholas Mathew

Michele Kennedy

Jean  Bernard Cerin

Berkeley Festival & Exhibition

In this engrossing presentation, baritone and musicologist Jean Bernard Cerin explores the tale—across centuries and continents—of “Lisette quitté la plaine,” a enduringly popular folk tune from Cerin’s native Haiti. From France and Pennsylvania, to Louisiana and back to Haiti, the remarkable journey of “Lisette” over two centuries is a testament to the connecting power of music, as well as to the complicated legacies of empire and enslavement.

This program will feature a showing of “Lisette,” a feature-length documentary by Cerin and Brandi Berry, as well as performances from Cerin, who will be joined by Bay Area-based soprano Michele Kennedy, as well as pianist and musicologist Nicholas Mathew.

Lisette—A Song’s Journey From Haiti and Back