Practice makes perfect! That’s what actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. did to ensure he embodied his Chevalier role as violinist and composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
Releasing April 21, Chevalier follows Joseph, the offspring of an African slave and a French plantation owner, as he climbs the French social ladder as an esteemed violinist, composer and fencer. But as a man of African descent, Joseph faces many obstacles where friends become foes, and lovers are torn apart.
According to Variety, Harrison Jr. worked for hours with his father, Kelvin Harrison, to master the violin, practicing six hours a day.
“I wanted to go and be with him because he’s a music teacher. I knew he could guide me in how to pace myself. He said, ‘We’re going to do four to six hours daily. We can break it up the morning, before lunch or after lunch and before you go to bed at night,’” Harrison Jr. recalled.
The actor had been playing the instrument since he was a child. He was first chair in school and was selected to play in orchestras. His musical talents landed him to star in movies like The High Note, where he played David Cliff, Grace Davis’ (Tracee Ellis Ross) son and showcased his incredibly soulful voice.
He also portrayed the iconic blues guitarist B.B King in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film, which co-starred Golden Globe winner Austin Butler.
After learning the story of the composer deemed the Black Mozart, Harrison Jr. immediately became fascinated.
“I had no clue who he was, but he was pretty bold, and I was blown away by him,” he shared. “What touched me the most was the resilience he had despite the amount of rejection.”
Written by Atlanta’s Stefani Robinson, Harrison Jr. wanted nothing more than to be a part of telling Joseph’s story and giving him the recognition the composer deserved.
“What I was so excited to do is give him an opportunity, where he wasn’t put second and where he wasn’t discarded of, and giving him my full undivided attention,” the actor said. “This movie ultimately will give him the big stage, the love, respect and fandom that he deserves.”
Watch the trailer below.
