Written and directed by Bill Barclay

Featuring the music and story of Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges

In this unique piece of concert theatre, four costumed actors are joined by Matthew Kofi Waldren, the exciting rising star violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason, and the LPO and friends, to present Bill Barclay’s The Chevalier, which tells the fascinating life of Joseph Bologne – an 18th-century Black composer, virtuoso violinist and friend of Mozart and Marie Antoinette – more commonly known as the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Alongside his incredible musical talents, The Chevalier was an acclaimed fencer, a general of Europe’s first Black regiment and an active campaigner for the abolishment of slavery. Almost forgotten in history, his story is bursting to be told.

This presentation of Bologne’s finest music is interspersed with dramatic and comedic dialogue reflecting on the true nature of equality.

Performers

Matthew Kofi Waldren Conductor
Braimah Kanneh-Mason Violin
Chukwudi Iwuji Actor (Joseph Bologne)
Merrit Janson Actor (Marie Antoinette)
David Joseph Actor (W A Mozart)
Bill Barclay Actor, (Choderlos de Laclos)

Please note there will be no interval

Listen to streamable playlist here.

Generously supported by Victoria Robey OBE.