CCMOnStage OPERA Presents
Music by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Libretto by Stéphanie Félicité de Genlis
Feb. 17-20, 2022, Cohen Family Studio Theater
*CCM Student
L'Amant Anonyme will last approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
By Alison Pogorelc
In the past year, there has been increased attention surrounding this neglected 1780 chamber opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Bologne’s extraordinary life, artistic success and influence have recently captured the interest of many, as he was a pioneering Black composer, contemporary with Haydn and Mozart.
On the surface, his charming chamber opera, L’Amant Anonyme, explores themes of love and romance typical in the High Enlightenment period and sexual awakening that occured during the late 18th century. At that time, there was an increasing rejection of grand baroque spectacles and a newfound interest in themes relating to a more personal human nature.
Such is the case for this opera, as well as its source material, the play by Stéphanie Félicité de Genlis. Similar to our composer, Madame de Genlis has fallen into a kind of anonymity, though her accomplishments as a writer and educationalist are just as exceptional — especially for a woman of that period.
As I began my work on L’Amant Anonyme, I was first struck by the charming moments of absurdity juxtaposed with intense emotionality represented by the strum und drang musical style. At its core, this piece is an exploration into the fear of the unknown; what it means to leave the comfort of familiarity and trust in new (and sometimes anonymous) possibilities.
I quickly began to draw parallels to the cinematic style of the French New Wave (Nouvelle Vague), a film movement in the 1950s and '60s which gave birth to a new filmmaking approach, rejecting the traditional techniques of larger film studios. The films of the French New Wave are highly self-aware, often deemphasizing plot to focus on universal themes, such as human existence and love.
Many New Wave directors embraced naturalism and spontaneity, which along with their low-budgets and improvisational style creates a “homemade” or “anti-technique” quality.
Our production channels the philosophical and stylistic ideas of this cinematic movement, both aesthetically and dramatically pushing the boundaries of what might be deemed “traditional” for a piece of this period. Taking inspiration from the films of Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Demy, Agnes Varda, and other directors of the movement, we bridge naturalism with surreal extremes to highlight the intense emotional journey of our protagonist Léontine as she struggles to move on from her past and embrace the unknown.
It seems only fitting that this piece, conceived by two mavericks in their day, be approached in a style which challenges dramatic expectations. We hope that our interpretation of this piece highlights the durability of their work and encourages our audience to explore other anonymous artists whom history has forgotten.
South of France, Léontine’s Country Home, in 1960
^Thursday/Saturday Performances ~Friday/Sunday Performances
Caleb Glickman, conductor
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Event: November 13, 2025 1:12 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music's 2025-26 theatre season continues with Cendrillon, playing Nov. 13-15, 2025 in Patricia Corbett Theater.
October 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of music celebrates Pulizter and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon during her residency at CCM on Oct. 16-18, 2025. Audiences are invited to experience the music of this contemporary classical composer in a variety of free and ticketed concerts; tickets on sale through the CCM Box Office.
Event: September 20, 2025 7:30 PM
UC College-Conservatory of Music Vocal Performance alumni and faculty join the CCM Philharmonia in a performance that celebrates Italian opera at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Corbett Auditorium.
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