Appalachian Opera Theater to Perform Vocal Works by Black Composers
by Lisl Doughton - April 15, 2021
The Appalachian Opera Theater, directed by Dr. Gennard Lombardozzi, will present a series of vocal recitals highlighting Black composers.
The recitals, which are recorded in or live-streamed from Rosen Concert Hall (without an audience in the hall), can be viewed on our Performances page:
https://music.appstate.edu/performances
L'Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover) by Chevalier de Saint Georges - April 15 and 27
The Appalachian Opera Theater will perform selections from the opera L'Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover) by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges, on two dates:
- Thursday, April 15 at 8:00 will feature graduate students. (April 15 program) (April 15 video)
- Tuesday, April 27 at 6:00 will feature undergraduate students. (April 27 program) (watch on our Performances page)
L'Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover) is the only surviving opera by Joseph Bologne (1739-1799). It premiered March 8th, 1780. The comic opera tells the tale of a young widow who receives anonymous love letters, which happen to be from a close friend who has long hidden his true feelings for her.
Joseph Bologne, also referred to as Chevalier de Saint Georges, was a champion fencer, violinist, and conductor, and remains the most well-known French-African composer of the Classical era.
Vocal Works by Black American Composers - April 16
On Friday, April 16, at 8:00pm, The Hayes School of Music’s graduate vocal ensemble, Quintessential!, will present a concert of Vocal Works by Black American Composers. Songs written or arranged by Cecil Cohen, H. T. Burleigh, Betty Jackson King, Undine S. Moore, Maurice McCall, Robert Owens, and Hall Johnson will span over 150 years of composers’ lifetimes and a variety of styles.
Friday’s program can be found here and the video is now available on YouTube.
Life Goes On in Song - April 28
“Life Goes On in Song” is the title and theme of the concert on Wednesday, April 28, at 6:00pm. Students of the Appalachian State University Opera Workshop will perform a variety of songs outlining the events of human life.
Songs by past and contemporary composers including Florence Price, Robert Owens, Adolphus Hailstork, Rosephanye Powell, and others give voice to the experiences of love, work, grief, and the subtle variations in between.
Watch the performance at music.appstate.edu/performances.
Black Composers in the Spotlight
In addition to programming works by Black composers throughout the regular concert series, the Hayes School of Music presents occasional concerts highlighting the work of Black composers in particular. Due to the effects of racism throughout history, Black composers have historically not received the same opportunities or recognition as their white peers with similar accomplishments. We are proud to showcase this wealth of lesser-known repertoire so that more performers present these works and more audiences can hear this important repertoire.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges.