Sancta Susanna: A Horror Opera

Presented by Source/Filter Music Collective

Elise Walters as Sancta Susanna

Prepare to be captivated by the West Coast premiere of Paul Hindemith's early and rarely performed one-act opera, Sancta Susanna, brought to life by Source/Filter Music Collective. This site-specific, immersive horror opera will be staged inside the church at the historic Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles, offering a unique experience that promises to thrill audiences. Perfectly timed for Halloween, the production draws inspiration from independent horror classics such as Dario Argento’s Suspiria and Ken Russell’s The Devils.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Set in an isolated convent, Sancta Susanna tells the harrowing tale of an innocent nun plagued by disturbing visions. As she seeks guidance from her mother superior, she uncovers a sinister secret lurking within the convent’s walls. This powerful opera, which once shook the Frankfurt music scene, raises the question: will she succumb to her temptations?

The evening begins with a chilling choral program featuring atmospheric pieces for chamber treble voices performed by our chorus of evil nuns. The repertoire includes haunting works by Benjamin Britten, Nadia Boulanger, Hildegard von Bingen, and others. Stick around after the performance for a Halloween dance party featuring a live DJ playing everyone's favorite macabre hits. Costumes encouraged!

Tickets are on sale now at $15-$50. Student & senior discounts available. For tickets and more information, visit our.show/sanctasusanna

THE CHARACTERS

  • Susanna – The youngest member of the convent, tormented by visions pushing her toward insanity.
  • Sister Klementia – An older, stoic nun and Susanna's confidant—but does she have hidden motives?
  • Mother Superior – The leader of the convent, controlling the convent’s darkest secrets.
  • Livia – A young maiden who appears to Susanna in her most vulnerable moment—real or imagined?
  • Rosalie – A mysterious servant who enters shortly after Livia.
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$15 to 50
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Program Items

Paul Hindemith Sancta Susanna
Maurice Duruflé Tota pulchra es
Benjamin Britten A Ceremony of Carols (selections)
Gian Carlo Menotti The Black Swan (from The Medium)
Hildegard von Bingen O virtus sapientiae
Camille Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre
György Ligeti Pletykázó asszonyok
Kamyar Mohajer The Light-Burdened Ones of the Shore
Nadia Boulanger Pie Jesu
Zoltán Kodály Táncnóta (Dancing Song)

Performers

Elise Walters, soprano Susanna
Zineb Fikri, contralto Klementia
Jessica Tivens-Schneiderman, soprano Mother Superior / Evil Nun Chorus
Megan Shoaf, soprano Livia / Evil Nun Chorus
Rae Shrum, mezzo-soprano Rosalie / Evil Nun Chorus
Laura Barrows, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Emily Gallagher, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Lamia Mazegue, mezzo-soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Amanda Mello, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Jessie Massoudi, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Marissa Plati, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Samantha Rosenberg, soprano Evil Nun Chorus
Britta Sterling Director
Caleb Yanez Glickman Music Director
Milena Gligić Collaborative Pianist