In one of the most intense roles of her career, soprano Tati Helene deeply moved audiences with her portrayal of the title character in Giacomo Puccini’s Suor Angelica, performed on August 23 and 24 at Theatro Pedro II in Ribeirão Preto. The production, staged in the centenary year of the Italian composer’s death, was a highlight of the “A Caminho do Interior” project, co-organized by the Consulate General of Italy in São Paulo and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura San Paolo.

Staged with the Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Reginaldo Nascimento, the opera captivated the audience with its narrative of pain, redemption, and faith. And it was in the figure of Suor Angelica that the most poignant emotion of the evening was concentrated. With impressive vocal command and overwhelming dramatic sensitivity, Tati Helene led the audience through a true inner journey.

Her interpretation of the aria Senza mamma was one of the most touching moments of the performance. Singing with delicate and at the same time devastating lyricism, Tati conveyed all of the character’s anguish upon learning of her child’s death, drawing tears from the audience with her visceral commitment and deeply moving voice. The opera’s final scene, in which Angelica takes poison, was all the more powerful thanks to the soprano’s emotional intensity, embodying the protagonist with rare depth.

The production featured general and artistic direction by Paulo Abrão Esper and choral preparation by conductor Snizhana Drahan. It stood out not only for its musical quality but also for its thoughtful staging, which highlighted female protagonism and the still-relevant suffering of women silenced by society.

Joining Tati Helene were soloists Andreia Souza (Zia Principessa), Anita Furlan (Suor Genovieffa), Cristina Modé (Badessa), Carla Barreto (Suora Zelatrice and Infermiera), Daphne Oliveira (Maestra delle Novizie), among other powerful female voices, bringing together a production of strong collective impact.

The success in Ribeirão Preto followed previous performances in São Paulo (Teatro Sérgio Cardoso), Santo André (Teatro Municipal de Santo André Maestro Flávio Florence), and Jundiaí (Teatro Polytheama), where Helene also starred as Angelica with the Santo André Symphony Orchestra.

Photo: Pierre Duarte