Radio Times

Review by:

Patrick Mulkern

Suor Angelica is “a lyrical tragedy… Puccini’s personal favourite in his triptych,” conductor Antonio Pappano tells us in his intro to this sombre yet engaging Royal Opera House production.

Set in a children’s hospital run by Catholic nuns, it’s the story of Sister Angelica, a herbalist harbouring a crippling secret. Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho reveals, “I finished every rehearsal crying,” and there’s a beautiful aria at the end — albeit shorn in this version of the miraculous vision Puccini intended.

If you’re not majorly into the plight of nuns, see this one-act, one-hour piece as bite-size opera and a chance to brush up your Italian.

About this programme

Rosalind Plowright stars in the second of Puccini's operatic triptych.

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