Published19 Dec 2024
Opera Philadelphia gears up for the Company Premiere of The Anonymous Lover with January film screening, concert, and lecture
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MoreOpera Philadelphia returns to the historic Academy of Music in January with the company premiere of The Anonymous Lover, a 1780 opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), who is widely regarded as the first Black classical composer known to history. In celebration of the opera, the company presents a series of January events including a screening of the 2022 feature film, Chevalier, which details the life story of the composer.
Chevalier film screening
Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. | Philadelphia Film Center
Presented by the Philadelphia Film Society and VIVACE
Inspired by the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Chevalier follows the pioneering Black composer, musician, and fencer's rise to fame. Set in 18th-century Paris, the film explores Bologne's struggle to gain acceptance in the elite circles of French society, complete with a violin duel with Mozart, an ill-fated love affair, and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court. Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, and Ronke Adekoluejo, the film is directed by Stephen Williams. Watch the trailer and get tickets
Love Notes 4 Philly
Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. | Society Hill Dance Academy
Join East Passyunk Opera Project (ePOP) for its fourth and final Love Notes concert, featuring incredible Philadelphia talent performing opera, art song, musical theater, and pop with an operatic tilt centered around the theme of love for community. Expect everything from Simon and Garfunkel to an excerpt from The Anonymous Lover.
Performers include soprano Ashley Marie Robillard and baritone Johnathan McCullough from The Anonymous Lover, as well as mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, soprano Katrina Thurman, and ePOP music director Aurelien Eulert. Hosted by Cookie Diorio, with Omar Saleem as beatmaker, DJ, and co-creator.
$35 General Admission tickets include two complimentary cocktails provided by Top Dog Cocktails. Seating for general admission tickets is on a first-come, first-served basis. Audiences will also have the opportunity to connect with several Philadelphia mutual aid groups at the event. Learn more and get tickets
The Anonymous Lover: Inside the Music
Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. | Philadelphia Ethical Society
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the opera The Anonymous Lover with an engaging lecture by Opera Philadelphia’s Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Lily Kass. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the beauty and depth of these operatic masterpieces with insights from an expert. Tickets are free and pick-your-price. Get tickets
About Opera Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia is known as “the very model of a modern opera company” (Washington Post). Committed to developing opera for the 21st century, the company is recognized as “a hotbed of operatic innovation” (New York Times). For more information, visit operaphila.org.