Kristine Opolais returns to the Metropolitan Opera to star in the title role of Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Part of Puccini’s triple bill Il trittico, these performances mark the centennial since the works world premiere at the Met in 1918. Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi return with sparkling production by Jack O’Brien.

Running November 23 through December 15, Opolais shares the stage with Maureen McKay as Sister Genovieffa and Stephanie Blythe as La Principessa, with Betrand de Billy leading the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Ms. Opolais has recorded this tragic story set within an austere convent with the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln and WDR Rundfunkchor Köln led by Andris Nelsons. Further information and links to purchase are available via Ms. Opolais’ Recordings.Critical acclaim of Ms. Opolais as Suor Angelica:

“Opolais’s singing immediately brings into the mind’s eye a vulnerable young woman…Her bright soprano, with its surface sparkle, vividly portrays the intense feelings of Sister Angelica, a sharp edge sometimes coming to the fore when the character is under pressure.” (Gramophone)

“Her performance at the beginning is as warm as the setting provided by the conductor. She doesn’t immediately give away the store when the visitor’s coach is spotted, instead playing the subtext. There is great sweetness when she sings of her little sister all grown up. But after the princess has gone, there are sweeping, searing phrases and a real sense of ecstasy in the final floating lines of her aria. Opolais also sings all of the actual pitches in the suicide scene, rather than treating them cavalierly under the guise of “acting.” (Opera News)