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 225th anniversary of Gaetano Donizetti’s birth, Opera Rara has restored an opera which is considered a milestone in the composer’s career. Set in Imperial Rome, L’esule di Roma is filled with political conspiracy, romantic intrigue and great sacrifice. 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 love for his daughter and service to the Emperor. Sergey Romanovsky sings the role of Settimio, Argelia’s lover who has been condemned to death by her father.

Sung in Italian, with English surtitles.

Please note start time.

6pm: pre-concert talk

Opera Rara’s Repertoire Consultant and one of the editors of the new critical edition, Roger Parker, gives a 30-minute talk (free to ticket holders).

Opera Insider

Opera Rara, Britten Sinfonia and World Heart Beat present an evening of music and conversation with the cast and creative team of Donizetti’s L’esule di Roma. Opera Rara’s Artistic Director Carlo Rizzi is joined by musicologist and Donizetti expert Roger Parker to share insights into the new critical edition of Donizetti’s milestone opera.

Date: Tuesday 9 May, 7pm
Venue: WHB Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Road, SW11 7BD

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