The Anonymous Lover
February 5–13, 2022
Music by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Libretto by François-Georges Fouques Deshayes, Desfontaines, based on the play L’Amant Anonyme by Stéphanie Félicité, Madame de Genlis
Yours truly. For the first time ever, Minnesota Opera presents The Anonymous Lover, an opera written in 1780 by the groundbreaking Black composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. This comic romance about earnest vulnerability and steadfast devotion tells the story of a beautiful young widow who is doubtful about ever finding love again. When she begins receiving anonymous love letters, her close friend—and secret admirer— feigns amusement while anxiously working up the courage to confess to his role as the sender. Will their journey result in a woeful case of unrequited love? Or will true love prevail?
Sung in French with English dialogue. English captions projected above the stage.
Age Recommendation: 8 years and older
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Cast & Creative Team
Learn MoreDigital Program
ProgramThe Anonymous Lover Program
Check out the program for The Anonymous Lover!
Composer Biography
Learn MoreBorn on Christmas Day, 1745 in the French colony of Guadeloupe, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was the son of Georges de Bologne de Saint- Georges, a nobleman and politician, and Anne Nanon, a sixteen-year-old Senegalese person enslaved to him.
Synopsis
Read MoreAct I
Valcour has been hopelessly in love with Léontine, a beautiful young widow, for years. With the help of his trusted accomplice Ophémon, Valcour has been showering Léontine with a stream of gifts …
Director's Notes
Read MoreJoseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint Georges, his extraordinary life, impact, and art, his influence on many incredible historical figures, and his incredible success despite the prejudice he faced throughout his life has been the core inspiration for this concept.
5 Reasons To See
Read More1) It’s not five hours long
As much fun as long operas are, The Anonymous Lover is only 90 minutes without an intermission. If you blink, you might miss it!
2) It’s about time…