th
56Season 2026/27 Join us on a journey of operatic discovery OPERA-RARA.COM
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CARLO RIZZI
HONORARY ARTIST PATRON
RENÉE FLEMING
ARTIST AMBASSADORS
ERMONELA JAHO MICHAEL SPYRES
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO
Opera Rara’s 56th Season On behalf of our artistic family, our orchestra and chorus partners and our many collaborators, weth welcome you to Opera Rara’s 56 season of operatic discovery. Throughout this year, we will continue our exploration of two composers, Offenbach and Mercadante, both central to our restoration and recording work from Opera Rara’s beginnings in 1970. From the witty and timely political satire of Offenbach’s Barkouf to the emotionally powerful music of Mercadante’s Il campo de’ crociati, this season shows the ability for opera, even those lost to time and circumstance, to engage, entertain and enlighten audiences today and for generations to come. Either by joining us in person, enjoying one of our online events or by listening to our recordings of exciting discoveries in the comfort of your own home, we invite you to discover our operatic heritage as we bring it to life and share it with the world.
Henry Little 01
Chief Executive Opera Rara
Carlo Rizzi
Artistic Director Opera Rara
223
recording streams on music streaming platforms last year
280
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46,351,796 recording streams on social media last year
soloists and conductors
orchestra and chorus members
INTRODUCTION
1,485,572
total musicians and production team members
29
production team members
Opera Rara’s recordings are streamed in over countries and territories
164
“
Opera needs Opera Rara.
”
LUCIANO PAVAROTTI
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OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
AT A GLANCE
Our 2026/27 Season Coming this autumn...
CONCERT
SALON SERIES
CONCERT
OFFENBACH
4 OCTOBER 2026
Celebrating Offenbach
THE BRIDGEWATER HALL,
6 OCTOBER 2026
MANCHESTER
THE NATIONAL OPERA STUDIO,
Oxford International Song Festival
THE SEASON AT A GLANCE
Barkouf
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The UK premiere of Offenbach’s brilliantly satirical Barkouf, presented in Jean-Christophe Keck’s critical edition. Performed by The Hallé and the Chorus of English National Opera under Paul Daniel, the cast is led by AnneCatherine Gillet, with Alistair McGowan narrating Jeremy Sams’ English adaptation. In the week before the concert, the cast and orchestra will make the first-ever recording of Barkouf, continuing Opera Rara’s commitment to sharing neglected operatic masterpieces with listeners worldwide. OCT 2026
Offenbach’s Barkouf
16 OCTOBER 2026
LONDON
The Opera Rara Salon Series comes to the National Opera Studio in a new partnership celebrating Jacques Offenbach. Artists from the National Opera Studio join stars from Opera Rara’s landmark recording of Barkouf for an evening of sparkling operatic gems by one of France’s most inventive composers. A pre-concert talk with music historian Dr. Flora Willson and conductor Paul Daniel begins at 6.15pm before the 7.30pm performance. OCT 2026
OCT 2026
OXFORD
Argentine baritone Germán Enrique Alcántara with renowned pianist Anna Tilbrook bring a selection of songs from Argentina, including works by Guastavino, Ginastera and Carrique as well as less familiar composers. Interspersed in this recital is a selection of Donizetti songs, in which the composer’s signature gift for bel canto melody aligns with a deep sensitivity to poetic texts. NOV 2026
Donizetti Songs at the Oxford International Song Festival
Celebrating Offenbach
HOLYWELL MUSIC ROOM
Donizetti Songs at the Donizetti Opera Festival
OCT 2026
La rondine 1921 Version Recording Release
NOV 2026
Donizetti Songs at The Juilliard School
Coming in the spring...
NEW RECORDING
SALON SERIES
CONCERT
PUCCINI
MERCADANTE
(final 1921 version)
Celebrating Tosti
30 OCTOBER 2026
26 NOVEMBER 2026
5 MAY 2027
The world-premiere recording of Puccini's final 1921 version of La rondine, conducted by Carlo Rizzi and featuring Ermonela Jaho, Iván Ayón-Rivas and the BBC Symphony Orchestra with the BBC Singers will finally be heard. Recorded in the week preceding the acclaimed Barbican performance, this release will allow audiences for the first time to hear the version of his opera Puccini most favoured. BBC Radio 3’s Opera on 3 will broadcast the recording on 3 October, ahead of its 30 October release.
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE,
DEC 2026
LONDON
Opera Rara continues its 2026/27 Salon Series with a celebration of Paolo Tosti (1846– 1916). In partnership with the Tosti International Singing Academy, alumni artists join pianist Anna Tilbrook for an evening of songs by Tosti and his contemporaries, alongside a public masterclass with renowned bass Matthew Rose. A pre-concert talk with music historian Dr. Flora Willson and leading Tosti scholars explores Tosti’s remarkable legacy.
Accademia Donizettiana at the Filarmonica Banatul
The modern-day premiere of Mercadante's forgotten masterpiece in a new Opera Rara critical edition, not heard for more than 170 years. Conducted by Artistic Director Carlo Rizzi with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and English National Opera Chorus, the international cast is led by Rosa Feola, Iván Ayón-Rivas and Germán Enrique Alcántara in a powerful tale of one woman’s struggle for dignity, agency and compassion. MAY 2026
Mercadante’s Il campo de’ crociati
Salon Concert with Laurence Kilsby
Celebrating Tosti
QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL,
LONDON
FEB 2027
NOV 2026
Il campo de’ crociati
MARCH 2027
Donizetti Songs at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
JUNE 2027
Salon Concert with Eleonora de Prez
THE SEASON AT A GLANCE
La rondine
OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
BOOKING INFO
opera-rara.com/events
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OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
OFFENBACH
Barkouf
Sunday 4 October 2026 Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Man’s best friend becomes head-of-state.
This October, hear the UK premiere of Offenbach’s Barkouf. What happens when man’s best friend becomes head-of-state? Opera Rara and The Hallé team up once again to present Offenbach’s Barkouf, where a dog rules for the day. Step into the absurd political world of Barkouf — a riotous opera where corruption runs wild, flattery is an art form and incompetent politicians scramble for power.
BARKOUF
When a dog is made governor of the fictitious city of Lahore, laughter turns to applause as he rallies the people and proves that even the unlikeliest hero can change history. Filled with dazzling melodies, biting satire and boundless heart, Barkouf is as relevant today as it was in 1860.
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Opera Rara and The Hallé join forces with the chorus of English National Opera & ensemble singers from the Royal Northern College of Music to present this rare gem for the first time in the UK at The Bridgewater Hall, in a new critical edition that brings one of Offenbach’s most audacious works to life.
THE CAST
PAUL DANIEL
ANNE-CATHERINE MATHIAS GILLET VIDAL
VALERIE EICKHOFF
Conductor
Maïma
Saëb
Balkis
KATIA LEDOUX
FRANÇOIS PIOLINO
PHILIPPE TALBOT
THIBAULT dE DAMAS
Périzade
Kaliboul
Xaïloum
Le grand Mogol
OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
LOIC FELIX Bababeck
ALISTAIR McGOWAN Narrator
WITH THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA, CHORUS OF ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA & ENSEMBLE SINGERS FROM THE ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC, SCHOOL OF VOCAL STUDIES
SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2026 4PM
THE BRIDGEWATER HALL Manchester
TICKETS from £18
BOOK ONLINE opera-rara.com/events
MORE INFORMATION Age guidance: 8+ Please note venue and start time. Concert duration: 2hrs 45' including interval. Concert performance, sung in French with English narration and surtitles. Opera in three acts.
BOOK BY PHONE 020 7613 2858
Book tickets:
BARKOUF
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
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OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
MERCADANTE
Il campo de’ crociati
Rosa Feola stars in a lost opera by Mercadante. In May, experience an opera not heard in over 170 years. What happens when love, faith and power collide? Opera Rara and the London Philharmonic Orchestra join forces to present Mercadante’s Il campo de’ crociati, a powerful opera set during the First Crusade.
IL CAMPO DE’ CROCIATI
Step into the dramatic world of Il campo de’ crociati — where passion runs deep, loyalties are tested and the pursuit of power comes at a devastating cost.
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Wednesday 5 May 2027 Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre, London
At its heart is Lea, brought to life by soprano Rosa Feola, caught between love, faith and a world shaped by violence and ruthless ambition. Filled with sweeping choruses, dazzling vocal writing and raw emotional power, Il campo de’ crociati is a forgotten masterpiece that deserves to be heard. Opera Rara and the London Philharmonic Orchestra join the Chorus of English National Opera to bring this remarkable work back to the stage in a rare concert performance, revealing an opera that still speaks to audiences today.
THE CAST
ROSA FEOLA Lea
IVÁN AYÓN-RIVAS Carlo
GERMÁN ENRIQUE ALCÁNTARA Ismaele
GIORGI MANOSHVILI Goffredo di Buglione
OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
CARLO RIZZI Conductor
WITH THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
Hear our latest award-winning Mercadante recording
“Opera Rara’s indefatigable work has truly helped in the restoration of Mercadante’s reputation…”
Opera Now
International Opera Award Winner 2023 BUY THE RECORDING · STREAM NOW
WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 2027 7PM
QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL Southbank Centre, London
TICKETS from £18
BOOK ONLINE opera-rara.com/events
MORE INFORMATION Age guidance: 8+ Please note venue and start time. Concert duration: 2hrs 30′ including interval. Concert performance, sung in Italian with English surtitles. Opera in four acts.
BOOK BY PHONE 020 7613 2858
Book tickets:
IL CAMPO DE’ CROCIATI
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
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“
Opera Rara is a goldmine for anyone on a quest for rarities.
”
THE OBSERVER
OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
2026/27
Salon Series Opera Rara’s Salon Series continues our discovery of great songs, bringing together leading artists, scholars and emerging talent in intimate performances and conversations. CELEBRATING
Offenbach 6 OCTOBER 2026 | 7:30PM NATIONAL OPERA STUDIO, LONDON
A special Salon Series evening dedicated to the genius of Jacques Offenbach, presented in partnership with the National Opera Studio. François Piolino and Philippe Talbot, artists from Opera Rara’s Barkouf recording, join emerging singers from the Studio for an evening of wit, invention and discovery.
CELEBRATING
Tosti
SALON SERIES
26 NOVEMBER 2026 | 7:30PM CHAPEL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, LONDON
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A full-day Salon Series event celebrating the life and songs of Paolo Tosti, presented in partnership with the Tosti International Singing Academy. Alumni singers present a rich programme of Tosti songs alongside works by his contemporaries, with a masterclass earlier in the day led by acclaimed bass Matthew Rose.
Tosti International Singing Academy
SPRING SALON
OPERAS & PERFORMANCES
WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Laurence Kilsby & Anna Tilbrook 23 FEB 2027 CARLISLE PLACE, LONDON
Our Spring Salon features acclaimed British tenor Laurence Kilsby and pianist Anna Tilbrook. Together, they bring an evening of song and musical discovery as part of Opera Rara’s intimate Salon Series. Kilsby has been praised as “the ultra refined tenor” by The Guardian, while Tilbrook is renowned for her artistry and long-standing collaborations with leading singers. SUMMER SALON
15 JUNE 2027 MANSFIELD STREET, LONDON For our Summer Salon, Italian mezzo-soprano Eleonora de Prez joins pianist Anna Tilbrook for an evening exploring the expressive power of song. Eleonora appeared at the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo last season as part of Opera Rara’s Donizetti Songs collaboration. Together, Eleonora and Anna will create a concert not to be missed.
SALON SERIES
Eleonora de Prez & Anna Tilbrook
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Recording Release r ne ow and
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PRE-SAVE NOW ON SPOTIFY ALBUM AVAILABLE TO BUY & STREAM:
30th October LISTEN
BBC Broadcast
SAT 3rd OCTOBER | 5:00PM BBC Radio 3's Opera on 3 will broadcast Opera Rara and the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s studio recording of Puccini’s final 1921 version of La rondine. The performance will subsequently be available to stream for 30 days via BBC Sounds.
AVAILABLE ON STREAMING
AND ALL OTHER STREAMING SERVICES
Starring
Ermonela Jaho
Iván Ayón-Rivas, Juan Francisco Gatell, Ellie Neate, Nicola Alaimo, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers
Carlo Rizzi, conductor
World Premiere Recording of the Final 1921 Version
Recommended Recordings
“If Jacques Offenbach is the hero of the hour (well just over two hours), then his doughty champion is the indefatigable David Parry.”
BBC Music Magazine
DONIZETTI
La Princesse de Trebizonde “The performance works a treat… giving each number – solo couplet, ensemble, chorus or interlude – its own theatrical mood.” Opera
MERCADANTE
VERDI
Simon Boccanegra “This new recording is on another level entirely, with a compelling cast, an orchestra in full glory and a chorus alive to every dramatic moment.”
Limelight, Editor’s Choice
MERCADANTE
Il proscritto
Orazi e Curiazi
“This meticulous revival is a remarkable intellectual adventure… An exquisite and
“Knowing well this repertoire, the Italian conductor knows how, with as much science as taste, to give a consistent
“David Parry is a superbly idiomatic conductor firing up the vivacious rhythms that power Donizetti’s dramatic
enlightening treasure chest.”
dynamism to the plot…”
music.”
The Donizetti Songs Collection Volumes 1-8
Forum Opéra
Opéra Magazine
Opera Australasia
EXPLORE THE FULL OPERA RARA CATALOGUE AT OPERA-RARA.COM/SHOP
RECORDINGS
OFFENBACH
OFFENBACH
Vert-Vert
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
STREAM NOW:
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OUR ONLINE OFFERINGS
PODCAST
LISTEN ANYTIME ON DEMAND
opera-rara.com/lives-in-song
Lives in Song with
DR. FLORA WILLSON Available on all major streaming platforms. opera-rara.com/lives-in-song
Lives in Song is Opera Rara’s podcast exploring the lives and music of opera’s most fascinating figures. Hosted by music historian Dr. Flora Willson, each season delves into a composer’s world, with expert guests and stories revealing the people and experiences behind their music.
COMING IN 2027
Season 3:
OFFENBACH
LIVES IN SONG
Barkouf is just the beginning. Next year, Lives in Song returns with a new season celebrating Jacques Offenbach, exploring his life, music and lasting influence across six episodes. Dr. Flora Willson returns as host, joined by expert guests to bring Offenbach’s extraordinary career and legacy to life.
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ASK
CATCH UP ON SEASONS 1 & 2 Explore the lives and music of Gaetano Donizetti and Giacomo Puccini with Dr. Flora Willson. Streaming now on all major podcast platforms.
Have a question you’d like to ask us or one of our artists? Leave it in a comment on our social media or email ask@opera-rara.com Your question could feature in a future episode!
International Partnerships Oxford International Song Festival Friday 16 October 2026 Oxford, UK
Argentine baritone Germán Enrique Alcántara is a rising star, alumnus of The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker programme and a sought-after recitalist. With pianist Anna Tilbrook, he presents songs from Argentina, including works by Guastavino, Ginastera and lesser-known composers Carlos López Buchardo, Ana Carrique and Celia Torrá. Alongside these are Donizetti songs, showcasing the composer’s gift for bel canto melody and sensitivity to poetic texts.
OUR EVENTS OUTSIDE OF LONDON
PARTNERSHIPS
Donizetti Opera Festival
Friday 13 to Sunday 29 November 2026 Bergamo, Italy
Opera Rara collaborates for a second year with the
Bergamo, presenting Donizetti’s songs and ensembles in performance. Enjoy matinée concerts sung by the young artists of the Bottega Donizetti programme led by pianist Giulio Zappa. The Festival will also present the first-ever staging of our critical edition of Donizetti’s L’esule di Roma.
The Juilliard School
Sunday 22 November 2026 New York, USA
Opera Rara’s Artistic Director Carlo Rizzi and Artist Ambassador Michael Spyres will work for the first time with students from Juilliard Vocal Arts in rare songs by Donizetti. A series of coaching sessions will culminate in a concert in which some of these songs will receive their US premieres. More partnerships are coming later in the season...
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Donizetti Opera Festival in the composer’s hometown of
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BOOKING INFORMATION
HOW TO:
Booking Information You can book tickets for Opera Rara events directly through our website or via our partner venue box offices depending on the performance. OPERA RARA WEBSITE
opera-rara.com/events
Visit the Opera Rara Events Page to find direct “book here” links for upcoming concerts, salon series, and performances.
BY PHONE OR EMAIL
For general ticketing enquiries or assistance, you can contact us directly:
PARTNER ORCHESTRAS AND VENUES
Some Opera Rara performances are presented in partnership with orchestras, theatres and concert venues. For these events, tickets can be booked directly through the partner venue’s box office.
+44 (0)20 7613 2858
info@opera-rara.com OR SCAN TO BOOK:
Please check the individual event listing on our website for the correct booking link and ticket information.
VENUE INFORMATION
Full details and travel information can be found on our website and our partners’ websites. ARRIVE EARLY
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the performance. BEFORE YOU GO
Please check your confirmation email for any updates or important information about your event.
YOUR TICKET MATTERS Your support helps us rescue, record and revive forgotten operatic masterpieces. Every pence we receive goes towards more opera restorations and world-class performances and recordings.
ACCESS
We are committed to making our performance accessible to everyone. Concessions are available for selected performances. See online for details.
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Please contact us in advance to discuss your access requirements and how we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to an Opera Rara event.
Join our Opera Rara family
SUPPORT
SUPPORT US:
As a registered charity, it’s only because of the vital support we receive from Opera Rara’s donors that we can present electrifying live performances and award-winning studio recordings, every single season. We don’t receive any public funding – so without the generosity of those who believe in us, many long-lost masterpieces will remain forgotten and many songs unsung. But with your help, we will create more live performances and recordings of exceptional quality, nurture the next generation of rising stars and preserve our operatic heritage to inspire the future.
Now more than ever, we need your help.
Join our family of supporters by donating online at: WWW.OPERA-RARA.COM
or call us on: +44 020 7613 2858
or scan the QR code to access our donation page
On behalf of our team, as well as the singers, conductors, répétiteurs, orchestral musicians, choristers, musicologists, historians and editors who work with us, thank you for considering a donation to our charity.
Carlo Rizzi meets with Opera Rara’s supporters at the Italian Embassy in London as he shares some of our latest discoveries
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CARLO RIZZI
HONORARY ARTIST PATRON
RENÉE FLEMING
ARTIST AMBASSADORS
ERMONELA JAHO MICHAEL SPYRES CHIEF EXECUTIVE
HENRY LITTLE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles Alexander CBE, Chairman Philip Eisenbeiss Anthony Freud OBE Glenn Hurstfield Adolfo Laurenti Bruce Mauleverer KC Alison Nicol Gerry Power Islée Oliva Salinas Marc A Scorca Terence Sinclair Nicholas Thomas
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE David Hall Glenn Hurstfield Islée Oliva Salinas Terence Sinclair Lucy Stout John Tierney
Studio 11 Cloisters House 8 Battersea Park Road London SW8 4BG info@opera-rara.com +44 (0)20 7613 2858
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