Boston Premiere of ‘The Chevalier’ Brings a Forgotten Virtuoso’s Story to the Stage

BOSTON, MA — Concert Theatre Works will bring the Boston premiere of The Chevalier to Emmanuel Church in the Back Bay for two performances on Oct. 24 and 25.

The theatrical concert explores the life and music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an 18th-century Black violin virtuoso, composer and celebrated fencer. The production combines live orchestral music with a dramatic account of Bologne's friendships with Mozart and Marie Antoinette and his role in the fight against slavery.

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Conceived, written and directed by Boston native Bill Barclay, the work was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2018 and debuted at Tanglewood in 2019, according to Concert Theatre Works. It has since been presented internationally, including engagements with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra.

"I am beyond thrilled to finally be bringing The Chevalier to my hometown in Boston, and with such a spectacular story, exquisite music, and a truly gifted group of artistic collaborators," Barclay said in the announcement.

Boston musicians and students join the production

Violinist Brendon Elliott and pianist Dr. Karen Walwyn lead the musical cast. Actors Bill Barclay, Thomas Brazzle, Merritt Janson and David Joseph will portray figures in Bologne's story, including Bologne, Marie Antoinette and Mozart.

They will be joined by the Chamber Orchestra of Boston under music director David Feltner and student string players from Project STEP. The Boston-based nonprofit provides comprehensive music instruction to young musicians from backgrounds historically underrepresented in Western classical music.

The production runs 80 minutes without an intermission. The Oct. 24 performance will be followed by a reception, while the Oct. 25 performance will include a pre-show talk.