The Anonymous Lover

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Ross Zentner

A man and a woman look meaningfully into each other's eyes.

Brianna Murray as Jeannette, left, and William Johnson as Colin in Madison Opera's production of 'The Anonymous Lover.'

Madison Opera is back with The Anonymous Lover, the only surviving opera by pioneering Black composer, conductor and violinist Joseph Bologne. The comic opera (sung in French), which premiered in 1780, concerns a young widow ready to give up on love, and the anonymous notes she’s getting — unbeknownst to her, from a dear friend. If you can’t catch it all, English translations are projected near the stage. Have you been wondering if opera is for you? A free preview of the show by Madison Opera’s Kathryn Smith can be viewed on YouTube. Shows are at 8 p.m. on Feb. 2 and 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, with talks each day one hour beforehand.

media release: Madison Opera brightens up winter with the Wisconsin premiere of Joseph Bologne’s The Anonymous Lover on Friday, February 2 at 8pm and Sunday, February 4 at 2:30pm in the Capitol Theater at Overture Center for the Arts. A charming comedy of romance and anonymous love letters, it is the only surviving opera by Saint-Georges a renowned 18th century French composer.

Set in the garden of a French château, The Anonymous Lover tells of Léontine, a widow disillusioned by love, and her dear friend Valcour, who is sending her anonymous love letters. With the encouragement of their friends, the secret is happily revealed, leading to a final chorus about love.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a pioneering Black composer, violinist, fencer, and soldier in 18th century France. A favorite composer of Queen Marie Antoinette, he wrote several successful operas, but The Anonymous Lover is the only one that survives. It premiered in 1780, predating Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro by six years, and displays the delicate framework of the French musical stage at that time.

“Saint-George’s music is simply exquisite, with lovely arias and ensembles,” says Kathryn Smith, Madison Opera’s General Director. “It is a pleasure to rediscover his compositions, particularly in the form of a charming comedy that provides an entertaining break from reality.”

Soprano Keely Futterer makes her Madison Opera debut as Léontine, a young widow trying to balance romance and friendship. Tenor David Blalock (Salome) plays Valcour, Léontine’s dear friend and secret admirer. Baritone Yazid Gray (Trouble in Tahiti) plays Ophémon, a friend to both Valcour and Léontine who helps to bring the couple together.

Three Madison Opera Studio Artists sing the other principal roles: Hailey Cohen sings Dorothée, one of Léontine’s aristocratic friends; and Brianna Murray and William Johnson sing Jeannette and Colin, a young couple whose wedding festivities provide the impetus for the secret admirer to finally reveal himself. They are joined by an ensemble comprised of George Abbott III, Megan Gloss, Lauren Stepka, Douglas Swenson, Ryan White, and Alexandra Zulauf.

Stephanie Havey directs this company premiere, returning after her delightful direction of Orpheus in the Underworld (2022). Lisa Thurrell choreographs, returning after last season’s Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins. This newly- built production is set in the garden of an 18th century French château, with set design by Steven Kemp (Orpheus in the Underworld) and costume design by Karen Brown-Larimore (Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins). Michelle Rofrano makes her Madison Opera debut conducting this piece, which includes the interpolation of additional music by Saint-Georges, with members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. The opera will be sung in French, with dialogue in English and projected English translations.

Madison Opera’s production of The Anonymous Lover is sponsored by Sally and Mike Miley, John Lemke and Pamela Oliver, Ann Lindsey in Memory of Chuck Snowdon, Hurley Burish, S.C., and Dane Arts.