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The Knights with Emanuel Ax at Tanglewood

Tanglewood Music Center

Opera Philadelphia proudly presents the company premiere of "The Anonymous Lover," a captivating romantic comedy that stands as a testament to the genius of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. This groundbreaking 18th-century composer, often overlooked due to his race, was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn and shines through his only surviving opera. The music, composed by Joseph Bologne with a libretto by François-Georges Fouques Deshayes, Desfontaines, based on the play "L’amant anonyme" by Stéphanie Félicité, Madame de Genlis, and adapted by Kirsten Greenidge, will be performed in French with English supertitles, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience.

Set against the backdrop of a frothy romp filled with beautiful arias and charming music, "The Anonymous Lover" tells the story of the young widow Léontine, portrayed by soprano Symone Harcum, who receives a series of passionate letters from a secret admirer. As she grapples with the possibility of new love, it becomes clear that her friend Valcour, played by tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane, is the mysterious author. This opera invites audiences to root for true love in a tale that is both ahead of its time and timeless.

The production is co-produced with Boston Lyric Opera and features a talented cast including Johnathan McCullough as Ophémon, Ashley Marie Robillard as Jeanette, Joshua Blue as Colin, and Sun-Ly Pierce as Dorothée. The creative team is led by conductor Kalena Bovell and director Dennis Whitehead Darling, with scenic coordination by Baron E. Pugh, costumes by Leslie Travers, and lighting by Driscoll Otto. Elizabeth Braden serves as the chorus master, marking her Opera Philadelphia debut.

"The Anonymous Lover" will grace the stage of the Academy of Music with performances scheduled for January 31 at 8:00 p.m. and February 2 at 2:00 p.m., during the Jan - Feb 2025 season. The opera runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, promising an evening of uninterrupted enchantment.

This production is part of Opera Philadelphia’s 2024-2025 Season, supported by the Artistry Now Matching Fund and Barbara Augusta Teichert, with additional support from Judy and Peter Leone for Academy of Music productions. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the work of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and experience a romantic comedy that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

The Anonymous Lover

Academy of Music

Experience the pinnacle of musical excellence at "The Grand Finale - PhilOrch," a breathtaking performance that marks the culmination of the Philadelphia Orchestra's season. This extraordinary event will take place at the newly rededicated Marian Anderson Hall, formerly known as Verizon Hall, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Join us for two unforgettable performances: Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

Under the baton of the esteemed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and featuring the prodigious talent of cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the orchestra will present a program that includes Saint-Georges' Symphony No. 2, Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 "Classical," Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1, and Mozart's Symphony No. 35 "Haffner." Sheku Kanneh-Mason, celebrated for his technical brilliance and expressive virtuosity, will dazzle audiences with his performance of Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto, a piece renowned for its challenging virtuoso passages and emotional depth.

This performance is available as part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Choose from packages that include this performance: Friday Matinee B, Saturday Evening D, or Create Your Own for a personalized concert experience.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Philadelphia Orchestra in all its glory, performing in the hall named in honor of the legendary Marian Anderson. It's an event that promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, celebrating the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.

For tickets and more information, please visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact the ticket sales and subscriber services. Join us for "The Grand Finale - PhilOrch" and be part of a musical celebration that will resonate long after the final note has been played.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Events

Aug 14, 2024

The Knights with Emanuel Ax at Tanglewood · The Knights

Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2025

The Anonymous Lover · Opera Philadelphia

Jun 6, 2025

The Grand Finale · Philadelphia Orchestra

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