Start of the rehabilitation for the Chevalier Saint-George

For the very first time, the Paris Opera presents pieces by Joseph Bologne de Saint-George, better known as the Chevalier de Saint- George. Performed by the artists of the Academy in December 2020, and available on the platform "L'Opéra chez soi" (listen here): chezsoi.operadeparis.fr/concert               

Distinguished knight, a brilliant swordsman, virtuoso violinist, admired composer: he falls into oblivion nonetheless, until now...

Born to a wealthy plantation owner and his African slave, Saint-George was a prolific composer. He also led one of the best orchestras in Europe – Le Concert des Amateurs – John Adams, former US president, was very impressed with Saint-George, seeing him as “the most accomplished man in Europe”. He was almost made Director of the Academie Royale de la Musique (ancestor of the Paris Opera) but his application was denied by a handful of artists who refused the see a Black man as their leader. 

Is diversity in the arts antagonistic to excellence?                               

The reestablishment of the composer at the heart of the French cultural life is a great reminder that if the only ideals that matter are those of excellence, Black people have their place in classical music. While history has been re-written relegating on the margin of the creative genius some ethnic groups, the question of diversity appears still as relevant today as it was in the late18th century. 

Accordingly, the re-instauration of Saint-George's music on the repertoire of the Paris Opera can be received as a turning point and a new era carrying a basis of reflection to achieve positive change.                                                                  Yet beyond representativity and quota, the change should lead to acknowledging the importance of creating an environment where the people's contribution feels legitimate and duly valued regardless of their ethnic background.

Read the full article on the life of Saint-Goerge by Charles-Alexandre Creton on Octave Magazine: Music Versus History's Marble Effigies

#chevaliersaintgeorge #Paris #classicalmusic #culture #diversity #legacy #blackmusic #OperaNationaldeParis #AcademieONP #OctaveMagazine