Gianandrea Noseda and the National Symphony Orchestra performs Puccini’s Triptych at Carnegie Hall

Music Director and Conductor Gianandrea Noseda of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) took to Carnegie Hall’s infamous podium on Sunday, May 3, 2026 for an enlightening and entertaining evening featuring Giacomo Puccini’s “Il trittico.” The all-star cast included soprano Erika Grimaldi, soprano Meryl Dominguez, mezzo-soprano Agnieszka Rehlis, tenor Hakeem Henderson, tenor Gregory Kunde, baritone Roman Burdenko and the Washington Chorus with director Eugene Rogers.

This triptych of one act operas is well-known for packing in some of Puccini’s best work. Director Noseda’s decision to kick it off with “Suor Angelica” (which is typically second in the lineup) really set the tone for an insightful and intelligently bold move.

Suor Angelica

The opening bells and voices of the Washington Chorus lifted into the hall and enriched the atmosphere at the start of “Suor Angelica.” Noseda’s attentiveness to the singers, both in the chorus and cast, made it possible for one to fully immerse themselves in listening awareness. The NSO played with excitement and dedication to Puccini’s beautiful music.

There was a gentle glow of hope that blossomed as soprano Erika Grimaldi (Suor Angelica) entered onto the stage. Her voice resonated with a golden timbre, illuminating her middle-range with ease. Her high notes ascended in ecstasy. Her interpretation of Suor Angelica was so pure that she might have reminded one of the Virgin Mary herself, floating in perpetuity as an illusive vision observing the terrors and delights of the world. Grimaldi’s voice was grounded in her solid vocal technique and this sustained her well, especially for the dramatic expectations of this role (and the fact that she had two more operas to sing to complete the triptych).
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Jennifer Piron, Opera Wire.
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