LA Opera puts on ‘The Anonymous Lover’ during COVID

Soprano Tiffany Townsend (left) as Léontine and tenor Robert Stahley (right) as Valcour, with dancers Andrea Beasom and Daniel Lindgren in an LA Opera performance of “The Anonymous Lover.” Photo by Larry Ho.

LA Opera’s first production since the coronavirus pandemic hit, “The Anonymous Lover,” was written by 18th century composer Joseph Bologne. He was one of the first known Black classical composers. 

LA Opera’s production is directed by Bruce Lemon Jr., who grew up in Watts. Lemon Jr. talks about Bologne’s background, and how cast and crew members took up safety precautions to make this show possible, including regularly getting tested for COVID-19, wearing masks and face shields, and maintaining extra distance.