LA Opera proudly presents The Anonymous Lover (L’Amant Anonyme), an unjustly neglected 1780 chamber opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a pioneering Black composer who was a contemporary of Mozart.
The comic romance tells the story of Léontine, a beautiful young widow who has become disillusioned with love. Much to her surprise, she receives a steady stream of letters and gifts from an unknown man professing his undying passion. This amuses her friend Valcour, who also claims to have no interest in romance. But now, after hiding his true feelings for years, Valcour works up the courage to reveal that he himself is the devoted secret admirer. Will his (inevitably awkward) confession sway a woman sworn to resist all affairs of the heart?
Directed by Bruce Lemon Jr., in a socially distanced stage setting that blends both modern film and traditional opera staging, the performance will be streamed online, to reach a wide audience, with the cast and musicians performing at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall. Bologne’s brilliant score is conducted by Music Director James Conlon, leading the LA Opera Orchestra in a separately recorded session.
Want to dig deeper into the world of Joseph Bologne? Click here for your one-stop shop to all things The Anonymous Lover.
The Anonymous Lover will be available to watch from Saturday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 29, at 11:59pm (PST).
Get free tickets: https://www.laopera.org/performances/updated-2021-season/the-anonymous-lover/.
And give generously to the LA Opera Relief Fund: https://www.laopera.org/support-us/la-opera-relief-fund/.