Love is love, but it took the Supreme Court until 1967 to strike down laws banning interracial marriage in the U.S. And since this momentous decision was reached on 12 June, that day was declared “National Loving Day.”
Whether you’re smooching your sweetie, crushing on someone new, or just vibing with your besties, today is all about spreading that warm, fuzzy, and no-boundaries kind of love. It’s time to unwrap the heart-shaped sandwiches and rainbow cupcakes and throw a universal party for love in all shapes, colours, and forms.
And since any parties are better with music, here are some favourite classical selections celebrating interracial love.
Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, “Farewell”
A Tragic Ode
National Loving Day on June 12 celebrates love’s triumph over barriers, and a good many operas focus on interracial love that capture the spirit of diverse, heartfelt romance. Many feature passionate love stories that transcend cultural and societal divides.
Just listen to the heart-wrenching aria from Puccini’s 1904 Madama Butterfly, when Cio-Cio-San sings about her unwavering love for Pinkerton, an American naval officer. The story of a Japanese woman and a Western man touches on cultural divides, making a poignant if tragic nod to love across differences. It’s a perfect anthem for celebrating love’s boundless spirit.
Giacomo Puccini: Madama Butterfly, “Un bel dí vedremo”
Blossoming Love
How about twirling into the lush and tropical vibes of Léo Delibes’ Lakmé, with its swoon-tastic “Duo des Fleurs.” This 1883 opera is serving interracial love with a side of spicy colonial tea. Picture Lakmé, the fierce Brahmin priestess, all radiant and rebellious, catching feels for Gérald, the dashing British officer who’s totally not supposed to be sneaking into her sacred garden.
The silky-smooth melodies, with those lush and twirling notes sets the stage for their heart-fluttering, boundary-busting love story. And that’s the point, love doesn’t care about the rulebook. Their forbidden romance is like Bollywood romance meets Victorian drama. Don’t worry, love got the VIP pass.
Léo Delibes: Lakmé, “Duo des fleurs”
Loving Triumph
In 2025, Damien Geter composed a contemporary opera that tells the real-life story of Richard (white) and Mildred Loving (black) whose interracial marriage in Virginia sparked the landmark Supreme Court case. It’s a powerful, modern tale of love conquering systemic barriers in the American South.
Literally inspired by the case behind National Loving Day, this opera fuses musical traditions to celebrate interracial love with a triumphant and bubbly energy. It’s seriously uplifting and soulful, like a victory dance for the freedom of love.
Damien Geter: Loving v. Virginia, “Lullaby”
Love and Liberation
Let’s dive into the bubbly, boundary-breaking spirit of National Loving Day by featuring Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Les Indes galantes from 1735.This opera-ballet is a perfect fit for celebrating interracial love with its playful, international love stories. It’s a cheeky tale of romance that crosses racial and cultural lines, making it ideal for a funny and bouncy Loving Day vibe.
It’s the tale of Zima, an Indigenous American woman who eventually choses a native warrior over two European suitors. Celebrating indigenous love over colonial advances in a fantastical New World setting makes for a playful and triumphant forest party where love wins in the end. The choice of lover over colonial powers is a cheeky and empowering nod to interracial dynamics, perfect for a Loving Day giggle.
Whether you’re swooning to Rameau’s sassy forest beats or dreaming up a flower duet, today is all about love that crosses boundaries and borders. Let’s spin to the rhythm of hearts united across cultures, and make June 12 a bubbly and giggle-filled party where love is the loudest guest. Get ready to love out loud!
For more of the best in classical music, sign up for our E-Newsletter
