He’s the first Black American to compose a full opera. It’s finally being staged after 138 years.

For the briefest of moments, a silence fell over the pews of New Orleans’ famed St. Louis Cathedral, as the chapel filled with a collective sense the audience was about to witness history.

​ For the briefest of moments, a silence fell over the pews of New Orleans’ famed St. Louis Cathedral, as the chapel filled with a collective sense the audience was about to witness history. Read More Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN