Opera Rara, the label which specialises in restoring forgotten operas of the 19th century to circulation, both in concert and on disc, has named the conductor Sir Mark Elder as its new artistic direction. Stephen Revell, Opera Rara’s managing director, made the announcement at the launch of the company’s latest production, Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix, which was recorded under Sir Mark's baton.

‘Today is a very exciting and special day for all of us who are involved in the creation of our work,’ said Revell. ‘Not only do we have the pleasure of releasing our wonderful new recording of Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix, created at the Royal Opera House, but we are at the start of what I know will be a dazzling future for Opera Rara.’ To which Elder replied, ‘I couldn’t be more delighted that Stephen has asked me to be artistic director of this wonderful institution and to have the opportunity to help it progress, to redefine what Opera Rara is and to oversee its music making over the next few years.’

Revell also named the philanthropist and tireless supporter of the vocal arts, Ian Rosenblatt, as Opera Rara’s new chairman. As Opera Rara’s long-time supporter the Peter Moores Foundation gradually winds down its funding programmes, Opera Rara is looking to new sources of support for its always-original and beautifully presented productions. At the launch Revell invited financial supporters for Opera Rara’s next production, Donizetti's Caterina Cornaro (with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers under David Parry) and Sir Mark’s next project for the label, Donizetti’s French opera Les martyrs which will use the new Ricordi edition (and which will also feature the BBC SO).