A young woman is sent to a convent after the birth of her illegitimate child. For seven years, she longs for news of her son and family, until the arrival of her cruel aunt shakes the foundations of her faith.

Suor Angelica was Puccini’s favorite of the three operas of Il Trittico, and the reason is apparent from its deep pathos to its soaring melodies. This timeless classic is given new life in a production by director Elizabeth Clarkin-Breslin.

Synopsis

Inside a convent, nuns sing the Ave Maria while the Zelatrice scolds girls for misbehaving. Suor Genovieffa expresses her excitement that it is one of the evenings when the convent will be colored gold by the rays of the setting sun — perceived to be a sign of favor from the Virgin Mary.

The sisters recall a friend who died years ago, and Suor Genovieffa suggests that this friend would like them to visit her tomb, but Suor Angelica suggests that only the living have desires, and the Zelatrice reminds them that nuns are forbidden to have desires at all. In response to this, Angelica denies wishing for anything, but the nuns know this is untrue — she longs for news of her family.

While Angelica prepares an herbal remedy for a nun who was stung by wasps, the Travelling Sisters arrive with provisions and news of the arrival of a wealthy visitor. The Badessa summons Angelica to meet with the stranger, Angelica’s rich aunt, privately.

The Principessa has arrived to compel Angelica to sign a document relinquishing her inheritance to her younger sister who is to be married. Angelica asks for news of her family especially of the son who was born out of wedlock before she joined the convent. Her aunt informs her that the boy died two years prior.

Overcome with grief, Angelica signs the document and sends her aunt away. She mixes a poison and swallows it. Immediately, though, she realizes that suicide is a mortal sin, and she will not be reunited with her son in heaven.

She despairs and prays to the Virgin Mary to save her. Just before she dies, she sees a final vision of her son.