Set near Edinburgh in the middle of the 17th century, Il proscritto (1842) weaves a tragic tale of lost love and political treachery during the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

Available for the first time on record, Il proscritto marks Mercadante’s return to the bel canto lyricism while retaining the harmonic and orchestra richness found in his “reform” operas.

Leading Opera Rara’s cast is Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas as Giorgio Argyll, who sings opposite Peruvian tenor Iván Ayón-Rivas, winner of 2021 Operalia competition, as his rival Arturo Murray. Their mutual love interest is Malvina Douglas sung by American mezzo-soprano Irene Roberts. Performing the opera’s standout bravura aria, Elizabeth DeShong sings the role of Malvina’s brother, Odoardo. The cast is completed by Sally Matthews, Goderdzi Janelidze, Susana Gaspar, Niall Anderson and Alessandro Fisher.

“Il proscritto [...] proved a most worthy rediscovery, especially when singers and musicians generated enough gusto, electricity and brute force to loosen the Barbican’s foundations. Look out for the forthcoming recording!” – The Times, 29 June 2022

“A terrific cast and the fiery precision of conductor Carlo Rizzi brought this rarity to the concert stage 180 years after its premiere... The playing and choral singing, meanwhile, were nothing if not exhilarating.” – The Guardian, 29 June 2022

“An exciting rediscovery: Mercadante's Il proscritto proves far more than a museum piece in this thrilling revival from Opera Rara.” – Planet Hugill, 29 June 2022

 “In a graceful and detailed reading, he [Carlo Rizzi] teased out Mercadante’s often ravishing orchestral colors, while ensuring the music never lacked for fire in its belly. The outstanding cast was up to Opera Rara’s usual high standard” – Musical America, 1 July 2022

“After 180 years, the piece was awakened to powerful effect by Rizzi, whose advocacy was both passionate and disciplined... As Malvina, Irene Roberts, offered singing of consistently creamy texture and refinement... Odoardo’s rip-roaring ‘Ah! Del giorno sanguinoso’ resulted in a deserved ovation for Elizabeth DeShong in breath-taking form.” – Opera, September 2022

Cast:
- Giorgio Argyll: Ramón Vargas
- Arturo Murray: Iván Ayón-Rivas
- Malvina Douglas: Irene Roberts
- Odoardo Douglas: Elizabeth DeShong
- Anna Ruthven: Sally Matthews
- Guglielmo Ruthven: Goderdzi Janelidze
- Clara: Susana Gaspar
- Osvaldo: Alessandro Fisher
- An official of Cromwell: Niall Anderson