Puccini's Suor Angelica

This exciting collaboration brings together two of Scotland’s most prominent forces in the classical music scene for a production that promises emotional depth, breathtaking music, and an unforgettable operatic experience.

Directed by Douglas Nairne, Suor Angelica explores themes of sacrifice, grief, and redemption. Set in a convent, the opera follows Sister Angelica, who has lived in seclusion for seven years after being forced into religious life due to an illegitimate pregnancy. When her aunt, a cold-hearted Princess, arrives with devastating news, the story takes a tragic and deeply moving turn. Puccini’s lush score—featuring the famous aria Senza Mamma— and a 35-piece orchestra is conducted by Alistair Digges.

This 70-minute production, sung in Italian with English surtitles, brings together a stellar cast, led by English soprano Jenny Stafford in the title role, who has quickly established herself as one of the brightest young talents on the UK opera scene. Known for her powerful stage presence and emotional depth, she has performed leading roles with English Touring Opera, Welsh National Opera, and West Green House Opera, where she recently gave a critically acclaimed performance as Suor Angelica.

She is joined by Scottish soprano Monica McGhee, Opera Bohemia regular and star of Tosca, as well as distinguished former Scottish Opera Emerging Artists Louise Collett and Sioned Gwen Davies, a BBC Cardiff Singer of the World finalist.

19:00: Pre-opera Director’s Talk (A ticket is required to attend the talk and is included in the Zone A (premium seating) ticket to the Opera. A glass of wine / soft drink will be served.

Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 25 March (Tuesday 18 March to Festival Friends).