Celebrating "The Black Mozart"

On Sun., Aug. 14, The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey will feature the work of a rarely heard composer known as "the Black Mozart," Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. at Dolan Hall at the  and will feature his work, L’amantanonime. 

According to announcement from The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey:

Born in 1745 on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe to a former slave and a white French plantation owner, the Chevalier was raised mostly in Paris where he received an elite education.  He was one of the most remarkable figures of the 18th century.  While still a young man, he achieved an outstanding reputation, not only as a classical composer, but also as a violin virtuoso, as the best swordsman in France, and as a lover, often referred to as ‘Don Juan Noir.’  

He was in line to become head of the Paris Opera House, but racism stood in his way and prevented him from achieving the highest musical post in France.  Instead, the Chevalier became the conductor of Le Concert des Amateurs in 1773, considered by some to be the best orchestra in Paris. In that post, he went on to conduct music for Marie Antoinette at Versailles. He wrote numerous symphonies and at least five operas.  

Tickets for the concert are $35 for Adults, $25 for seniors and $5 for students under 21 with ID.