SUOR ANGELICA (OPERA)

Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano

Music by Giacomo Puccini

Directed by Rachel Hogan

Conductor: Leonard Weiss

National Opera Canberra

Albert Hall to 10 March

 

Reviewed by Len Power 7 March 2024

 

Suor Angelica is a one act opera by Giacomo Puccini which first premiered in 1918. It is the second of the trio of operas known collectively as Il Trittico.

Set in a convent, Sister Angelica has had a baby out of wedlock and given her child up. She takes part in the daily life of the convent with the other nuns, helping them with her ability to make potions and remedies. The arrival of her aunt, the Princess, with news of the death of her child, causes her to take her own life in the hope that she will be reunited with her son.

From the day-to-day life of the nuns to the sadness and loss in Sister Angelica’s heart-breaking aria, Senza Mamma (without mamma) and the Princess’s aria Nel Silencio (in silence), Puccini’s emotional music weaves quite a spell around this sad tale of loneliness, death and redemption.

Intimately staged by director, Rachel Hogan, on the floor of the Albert Hall, the strength of this production is the fine singing and performances from the cast.

Emma Mauch (Suor Angelica) with nuns

Soprano, Emma Mauch, as Suor Angelica, sings the role very well. She gives her aria, Senza Mamma, a sensitive and moving performance. Her level of emotion throughout is nicely judged and quite affecting.

Soprano, Sonia Anfiloff, is a commanding presence as the Principessa and gives a strong performance of the aria, Nel Silencio. A hint of compassion showing through her stern exterior was a nice touch.

Sonia Anfiloff (La Zia Principessa)

There is beautiful singing by the nuns, many of whom bring individual character touches to their roles. The finale, which includes some male singers, brings the opera to an uplifting climax.

The musical director, Ella Luhtasaari, has captured a striking level of emotion and colour in the singing of Puccini’s music and the musicians, conducted by Leonard Weiss, give a fine performance of the beautiful score.

 

Photos by Peter Hislop

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 8 March 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.