"On March 27, 2023, the GRAMMY Museum was thrilled to host a special program showing exclusive clips from the new upcoming film Chevalier, in addition to a conversation with notable contributors to the film, including the star of the film Kelvin Harrison Jr., Director Stephen Williams, Writer & Producer Stefani Robinson, Composer Kris Bowers, and Producer and Arranger of the Musical Performances Michael Abels.

The discussion was followed by performances from EZINMA (violin) with accompanist Meriette Saglie (piano) performing Joseph Bologne's Violin Concerto No 9 in g major, rondo, Quartet Integra (Kyoka Misawa, violin I; Rintaro Kikuno, violin II; Itsuki Yamamoto, viola; Anri Tsukiji, cello) performing Joseph Bologne's String Quartet in G Major, and solo violinist Alena Hove accompanied by Quartet (Fiona Shea, violin I; Duncan McDougall, violin II; Abby Smith, viola; Shengyu Meng, cello) performing Joseph Bologne's Violin Concerto No. 9 in G Major, Op. 8.

The upcoming new film, Chevalier, is inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr. in a tour de force performance) rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) and her court. Despite taking place in the late 18th century, the film took a contemporary approach to commemorating the life of this revolutionary historical figure. Pulling inspiration from musical icons like Jimmy Hendrix and Prince, the film brings to life Bologne’s lauded musical work, much of which was destroyed after Napoleon Bonaparte reinstated slavery in 1802 and ordered the suppression of his music.

Through the reimagining of his factual history, much of which was tragically lost, the film portrays one of the many untold stories that deserves to be shared. "