Opera Lafayette 19/20 Season Brochure

Pop-Up Exhibition: “Written by a Lady”
In partnership with the Folger Shakespeare Library
Thursday, November 14, 2019, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Paster Reading Room, Folger Shakespeare Library
In collaboration with the Folger Shakespeare Library, we explore the libretto for John Blow’s Venus and Adonis,
based on Shakespeare’s poem, along with some of the Restoration-era’s female literary voices.
The work of Anne Kingsmill Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661/1720), provides a focus for this discussion
of attribution, collaboration, and early feminist literature. Her collection of poetry—published only as “Written
by a Lady”—explores romance, social justice, and mental health struggles. In addition, Finch is credited as the
librettist for this early English opera of Venus and Adonis, though the unique, irreverent text may also have ties
to Aphra Behn and Anne Killigrew.
Folger Library Director Mike Witmore will be in conversation with Dr. Jennifer Keith, Folger Institute Fellow
(2014/2015) and editor of the forthcoming Cambridge Edition of The Works of Anne Finch. After the talk,
Director of Collections Greg Prickman will guide you through related rare materials from the Folger collection.
Tickets: $15 (can be purchased on the Folger website) $10 tickets are available for Opera Lafayette donors and
subscribers
An Opera Lafayette Screening
Thursday, February 6, 2020, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Avalon Theatre 1
Grab some popcorn and wine and watch a screening of Opera Lafayette’s DVD recording of Pierre Gaveaux and
Jean-Nicolas Bouilly’s Léonore, our L’Amour conjugal (1798). Following the movie, Ryan Brown and guest will
compare and contrast this opera with Beethoven’s Leonore (1805) and discuss how each foreshadows Fidelio,
Beethoven’s only opera.
Opera Lafayette believes that in the right setting opera IS for everyone. If you are interested in partnering with us, please
contact Diana Hossack, Executive Director, at DianaHossack@OperaLafayette.org or 202.546.9332, ext. 602.