Opera Columbus brings Joseph Bologne’s The Anonymous Lover to Palace Theatre for Valentine’s weekend performances
Valentine’s weekend opera returns to a downtown Columbus landmark
Opera Columbus will present The Anonymous Lover—a two-act comic chamber opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges—at the Palace Theatre in downtown Columbus over Valentine’s weekend. Performances are scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
The engagement also marks Opera Columbus’ return to the Palace Theatre for the first time since 2005, bringing the company back to one of the city’s historic performing arts venues for a production positioned around the holiday weekend.
A rare 18th-century opera, newly adapted for contemporary audiences
First premiered in 1780, The Anonymous Lover (original title L’Amant Anonyme) is adapted from a play by Stéphanie Félicité de Genlis. The story centers on Léontine, a wealthy widow who begins receiving letters and gifts from an unknown admirer. The admirer is ultimately revealed to be Valcour, a close friend who hides his identity out of fear of rejection.
Opera Columbus’ staging uses a new adaptation by playwright Kirsten Greenidge that blends spoken English dialogue with vocal music performed in French, with English supertitles provided for audiences.
Creative team and cast announced for the Columbus performances
The production will be conducted by Dr. Everett McCorvey, Opera Columbus’ Principal Guest Conductor, and directed by Kenneth Overton. Opera Columbus has announced the following cast:
- Symone Harcum as Léontine
- Jonathan Pierce Rhodes as Valcour
- Robert Kerr as Ophémon
- Matthew Pearce as Colin
- Hannah Bullock as Jeannette
- Lauren Cook as Dorothée
Context: Joseph Bologne’s place in opera history
The Anonymous Lover is the only surviving opera of the six attributed to Bologne, and it is regarded as his most successful operatic work from the period. The opera has gained renewed attention in recent years as part of a broader effort to program historically underperformed repertoire and to highlight the contributions of composers from underrepresented backgrounds. Bologne is recognized as one of the first known Black composers to write an opera.
Opera Columbus’ Valentine’s weekend presentation places an 18th-century romantic comedy within a modern performance format, combining bilingual staging choices with a downtown venue return.
What audiences can expect at the Palace Theatre
Opera Columbus has indicated that Valentine’s-themed pre-show elements will be offered in connection with the Friday evening performance, alongside optional add-ons designed for couples and groups attending together. The performances will take place at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., in central Columbus.