New Camerata Opera To Present L’AMANT ANONYME At Baruch Performing Arts Center

New Camerata Opera will present Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges' L'amant anonyme June 18-21, 2026, at the Rose Nagelberg Theatre at Baruch Performing Arts Center. Directed by Brandon Shaw McKnight with music direction by Kelly Lam, the production reimagines Bologne's only surviving opera inside a 1960s television studio inspired by The Bell Telephone Hour.

An homage to two Black operatic icons, composer Joseph Bologne and soprano Leontyne Price, McKnight's concept transforms the opera's romantic comedy into a vivid behind-the-scenes world of television performance, studio production, and operatic glamour. In this staging, Valcour is a television writer, and Léontine is an opera star whose performances unfold as dramatic televised musical moments. Last performed in New York City a decade ago, L'amant anonyme reflects New Camerata Opera's commitment to championing rarely staged works and bringing overlooked operatic gems back into the spotlight.

“This production celebrates the elegance, humor, and emotional warmth of Bologne's opera while placing it in conversation with the legacy of Leontyne Price and the golden age of televised performance,” said Brandon Shaw McKnight, director of the production. “The world of the 1960s television studio gives us a playful, theatrical frame for a story about love, timing, and artistic identity.”

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on June 18, 19, and 20, and at 4 p.m. on June 21. The opera has an estimated runtime of 90 minutes with no intermission and will be sung in French with English spoken dialogue.

On June 19, ticketholders are also invited to Bring Us Into the Light, a special pre-performance event at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre. The program will feature remarks from the director and an interview with one of the production's featured artists.

Now in its 10th season, New Camerata Opera continues its mission to engage, excite and educate audiences through immersive performances that challenge and inspire. With L'amant anonyme, the company brings new theatrical imagination to a historically significant work by one of the 18th century's most extraordinary artists. The production features an accomplished roster of regional and International Artists whose credits include The Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and other leading companies. Their participation reflects both the caliber of New Camerata Opera's artistic community and the company's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for exceptional performers.

Tickets are available at newcamerataopera.org/lamant-anonyme.

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