Summary

Opera Rara and Britten Sinfonia join forces once again to bring to light another neglected bel canto opera, Donizetti’s L’esule di Roma.

Celebrating the 225^th anniversary of Gaetano Donizetti’s birth, Opera Rara has restored an opera which is considered a milestone in the composer’s illustrious career. L’esule di Roma is filled with political conspiracy, romantic intrigue and great sacrifice set in Imperial Rome. Vocal fireworks fly in this opera from 1828 with remarkable ensembles, touching arias, and one of the composer’s finest bass-baritone roles.

Carlo Rizzi, Opera Rara’s Artistic Director, leads an all-star cast. Albina Shagimuratova, the Times’ “new queen of bel canto”, returns in the role of Argelia. Nicola Alaimo sings the role of Murena, Argelia’s father conflicted by a choice between the love for his daughter and his service to the Emperor. Sergey Romanovsky sings the role of Settimio, Argelia’s lover who has been condemned to death by her father.

Opera Rara’s mission is to restore neglected operatic masterworks, giving them new life through engaging recordings and concert performances. With over 50 years of operatic archeology, this event will be Opera Rara’s 23^rd restoration of an operatic work by Donizetti.