Singer

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.

EPSG:4326

The Anonymous Lover

Academy of Music

Opera Philadelphia proudly presents a new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's riveting masterpiece, "Don Giovanni." This beloved opera, performed in Italian with English supertitles, delves into the life of the charming yet despicable nobleman, Don Giovanni. Known for his unrepentant pursuit of selfish desires, Giovanni's actions, including the assault of a woman and the murder of her father, set in motion a series of events that could lead to his ultimate downfall. The question remains: will Don Giovanni escape the consequences of his actions, or will there be hell to pay?

This production, brought to life under the baton of conductor Corrado Rovaris and director Alison Moritz, features a talented cast including Timothy Murray as Don Giovanni, Olivia Smith as Donna Anna, Khanyiso Gwenxane as Don Ottavio, Elizabeth Reiter as Donna Elvira, Nicholas Newton as Leporello, Amanda Sheriff as Zerlina, Kevin Godínez as Masetto, and Raymond Aceto as Commendatore. The creative team is rounded out with Philip Witcomb handling set and costume design, Thomas C. Hase on lighting design, and Elizabeth Braden as chorus master.

The opera is set to take place at the Academy of Music with performances scheduled from April to May 2025. Specific dates include April 25th and May 2nd at 8:00 p.m., and April 27th and May 4th at 2:00 p.m. The runtime is approximately 3 hours, including one 20-minute intermission. This production is a collaboration with Cincinnati Opera and 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 experience Mozart's timeless tale of seduction, power, and retribution in this new production that promises to captivate and entertain.

Khanyiso Gwenxane

Tenor

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2025

The Anonymous Lover · Opera Philadelphia

Apr 25 - May 4, 2025

Don Giovanni · Opera Philadelphia

Future and recently performed repertoire

Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni by Mozart

Opera Philadelphia

Valcour in The Anonymous Lover by Saint-Georges

Opera Philadelphia

About

Khanyiso Gwenxane hasn't added a bio