In the quiet of the monastery, in peace and prayer, Sister Angelica (her real name is Laura), a girl from a noble family, faithfully serves the Lord. For seven years, she has been struggling with her past, especially her greatest loss. Under pressure from the family after giving birth to an illegitimate son, Angelica was forced to become a nun. Since then, she has been feeling a deep spiritual isolation. Her heart seeks to return to her world, but Angelica finds comfort in prayers and service.
One day, the peaceful rhythm of the monastery is disturbed by the rumble of the wheels of a luxurious carriage with a coat of arms. Sister Genovieffa brought important news: the Princess, Laura’s aunt, has arrived and wants to see her niece. Her visit frightens Angelica. Fear and premonition intermingle in her sensitive soul. What could have brought this cold and imperious woman to the monastery after so many years?
The monastery’s refectory. Going through complex emotions, Sister Angelica prepares to meet the Princess. Ever since her family forced her to leave secular life and go to the monastery, for many years, she has not seen her loved ones. The Princess appears. Her face is full of coldness and estrangement. The Princess says that she came not just to see her niece but also to deliver tragic news: Laura’s child fell seriously ill and died. Realising her loss, Sister Angelica goes through deep mental suffering.
Without losing her cold grandeur, the Princess reveals the true reason for her visit. It is to convince Angelica to renounce her inheritance. The Princess asks whether her niece would like to return to secular life, but the nun refuses to leave the quiet monastery. Her heart and soul will forever remain with God.
After meeting the Princess, Angelica wanders through the monastery garden, torn between faith and the unbearable pain of loss. Devastated by grief, she decides to end her life. Hoping to meet her son in another world, the heroine drinks poison. At the last moment, she feels overcome by remorse. Feeling an incredible sense of guilt, she prays for mercy. The Lord grants her forgiveness…
Sister Angelica hears voices and feels her son’s presence. Her heart fills with light and peace. With her last sigh, her soul, released from suffering, is reunited with her son in Eternity.
Opera in one act. Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano.
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), a great Italian composer, in 1918 wrote “Triptych” (Il Trittico), an opera consisting of three one-act parts: the tragedy “Il Tabarro” (The Cloak), the lyrical drama “Suor Angelica” (Sister Angelica) and the comedy “Gianni Schicchi”. “I wanted to create something that would reflect the whole life: its tragedy, spirituality and humour”, stated the composer. The premiere took place on December 14, 1918, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and surprised the audience with its ability to skilfully combine deep drama, touching spirituality and subtle humour.