Discover Suor Angelica
A one-act opera by Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini, Suor Angelica tells the tragic tale of Sister Angelica, whose quest for peace is tarnished by her haunting past. Her life in the convent is one of routine and repentance, but her world is shattered when she receives devastating news from her estranged family.
This powerful work explores universal themes of maternal love, struggles with faith, and redemption in the face of great sorrow. Puccini’s mastery of melody, harmony and orchestration ensures that Suor Angelica remains a beloved classic.
Dive into this deeply moving opera here, as we share a full synopsis of Suor Angelica which highlights the characters that play a key role in the opera’s plot. You’ll also find frequently asked audience questions and more information on the composer himself.
Suor Angelica: Gallery
Suor Angelica Synopsis
1960’s Ireland
A Magdalene Laundry
Seven years ago, Angelica brought disgrace and shame on her wealthy family by having a baby despite being unmarried.
The baby boy was taken from her and she has never seen or heard of him since. As atonement for her “sin”, she has been forced to become a nun by her family, cut off from society in a closed convent; however, she cannot forget her son.
Act I
Inside the convent, the Ave Maria can be heard sung by the nuns in the chapel.
The Monitress assigns punishments for misdemeanours.
Genevieve is excited that the convent will be coloured gold by the rays of the setting sun, as it does on three evenings every May. This is interpreted as a sign of special favour from the Virgin Mary.
There is a moment of sadness as they recall a friend who died a year ago. Genevieve suggests the dead woman would like them to remember her by visiting her tomb, but Sister Angelica declares that only the living have desires.
The Monitress reminds them that all desires are forbidden to nuns, but Genevieve and Dolcina reveal theirs: to hold a lamb once again, and for something delicious to eat.
Sister Angelica denies wishing for anything, but the other nuns know this is not true: she longs for news of her family, who she never talks about. They gossip about her rumoured high-class status.
The Nursing Sister rushes in: one of the nuns has been stung by wasps and is in great pain. Sister Angelica expertly prepares a herbal remedy. Provisions arrive and are examined, as news spreads that a distinguished and wealthy visitor has arrived at the convent. The Abbess summons Sister Angelica to meet the stranger privately.
The visitor is Sister Angelica’s formidable aunt, the Baroness. She has come to demand that Angelica signs a legal document that formally relinquishes her share of her inheritance in favour of her younger sister, who is about to be married.
During their encounter, the Baroness informs Angelica that her son died two years ago, when he was five. She collapses with grief, signs the document and her aunt departs.
Sister Angelica calmly mixes and swallows a lethal draught of poison. Immediately she realises that according to her Catholic faith, by taking her own life she is eternally damned.
She despairs as she fears she has no hope of being reunited with her son in heaven. She prays fervently to the Virgin Mary to save her and sees a final vision before death.
There is no interval
Frequently asked questions about Suor Angelica
What is Suor Angelica about?
Suor Angelica is about a young woman called Angelica who is forced by her family to join a convent after she gives birth to a child despite being unmarried.
Angelica’s life is reduced to the confines of the convent’s walled garden and she is tormented by the love and life she was robbed of. Doubt consumes her as she questions her faith and tries to forgive herself and her family. A moment of crisis comes when she is visited by her aunt carrying devastating news of her son.
What does Suor Angelica mean?
Translated into English, ‘Suor Angelica’ is ‘Sister Angelica’. The term “suor” is the Italian word for “sister,” and “Angelica” is the given first name of the main character in the opera.
Who composed Suor Angelica?
Giacomo Puccini composed Suor Angelica to an original Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano.
Puccini is an Italian composer famed for displaying the emotions and struggles of his characters using melodies and orchestrations, in well-known operas such as La bohème, Tosca and Madam Butterfly.
What is the most famous song from Suor Angelica?
The most famous song from Suor Angelica is the aria ‘Senza mamma’ (‘Sweetest love, you died without your mother’), which is one of the most poignant Puccini ever wrote.
Suor Angelica’s intermezzo is also appreciated by those who enjoy Puccini’s compositions.
What opera is ‘Senza Mamma’ from?
‘Senza Mamma’ is an aria from the opera, Suor Angelica, by Giacomo Puccini.
The aria is renowned for its emotional depth and masterful composition, which beautifully conveys Sister Angelica’s despair and longing.
