G'day, Scorekeepers! So... this weekend is an incredibly special and exciting one for us, because MN Opera is producing a live opera on our mainstage for the first time in almost two years! And which opera, you ask? The Anonymous Lover by Joseph Bologne (aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges), the first mainstage opera by a Black composer in MN Opera's nearly 60 years history! But who was Joseph Bologne and why isn't he more well-known? Well, fear not, because for our next 3 episodes, we're having a Bologne-a-Palooza! We're devoting the next few shows to learning more about Bologne, his fascinating life, and his incredible music. And you know we'll be joined by all sorts of special guests, so get excited! On this week's show, it's all about The Anonymous Lover. First up, we're joined by Maria Todaro, director of MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover, and Joseph Li, MN Opera's new Vice President, Artistic, to give us an inside look at this brand new production and to chat about what Bologne's life and legacy mean to them (0:26:46). Then, we're joined by The Anonymous Lover's costume designer, Ari Fulton. She gives us her heartfelt insight into designing her very first opera, what inspires her craft, and how the earth-shaking events of the past few years have affected her as a Black creator (1:00:31). And, of course, we'll end as always with a moment of Pure Black Joy, featuring Abbott Elementary and British Vogue (1:32:21). Let's do it to it, y'all!
Hosts: Lee Bynum, Frankie Charles, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds
Guests: Ari Fulton, Joseph Li, Maria Todaro
Links
MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover (Learn More) (Buy Tickets)
Ari Fulton (Website) (Instagram)
New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Monday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org
