To celebrate the 225th anniversary of Gaetano Donizetti’s birth, Opera Rara has restored L’esule di Roma (1828), an opera which is considered a milestone in the composer’s illustrious career. Set in Imperial Rome, L’esule di Roma is filled with political conspiracy, romantic intrigue and great sacrifice. Vocal fireworks flies in this opera, punctuating remarkable ensembles and touching arias.

Carlo Rizzi, Opera Rara’s Artistic Director, leads a star cast with soprano Albina Shagimuratova, The Times’s “new queen of bel canto”, Nicola Alaimo in one of Donizetti’s finest roles for bass-baritone, and tenor Sergey Romanovsky in the title role.

“Rare Donizetti is a roaring success.” - The Times, 12 May 2023

“The invention and beauty of the music are gripping… The voices of soprano Albina Shagimuratova (Argelia), baritone Nicola Alaimo (Murena) and Sergey Romanovsky (Settimio) engaged in thrilling interplay, energised but eloquent… At the end of the evening, Opera Rara convinced that there is much musical merit in Donizetti’s score.” - Opera Today, 12 May 2023

“Opera Rara rounds up a bel canto cast rarely paralleled at Covent Garden and presents it with messianic fervour to a sizeable audience of exuberant fans, here at a packed Cadogan Hall. It's all exceptionally heartening… Bel canto heaven indeed.” - Opera Now, August 2023

“The opera opens with a triumphant return, which very much describes the resurrection of this unfairly forgotten work - an opera packed with drama and terrific tunes.” - Bachtrack, 12 May 2023

“An admirable performance, full of stylish singing.” - Planet Hugill, 12 May 2023

Cast:
- Argelia: Albina Shagimuratova
- Murena: Nicola Alaimo
- Settimio: Sergey Romanovsky
- Publio: Lluís Calvet i Pey
- Leontina: Kezia Bienek
- Lucio/Fulvio: André Henriques