Curtis Opera Theatre and Curtis New Music Ensemble Present La Passion de Simone (Photo Roundup)

Experience the magic of Curtis Opera Theatre's Feb. 26 & 28 production of Saariaho's powerful opera-oratorio.

Get an inside look into Curtis Opera Theatre’s production of La Passion de Simone at Philadelphia Film Center’s Mainstage Theater with this special photo recap. This opera-oratorio by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho and librettist Amin Maalouf offers a mesmerizing meditation on faith and resistance—and what it means to truly witness suffering—through the eyes of radical French philosopher Simone Weil.

Led by innovative director and new media artist Marcus Shields and conducted by Marc Lowenstein, Curtis’ production features Nikan Ingabire Kanate as Narrator and Jeysla Rosario Santos as Reader. They are featured alongside a vocal quartet, joined by members of Curtis New Music Ensemble, featuring soprano Maya Mor-Mitrani, alto Carlyle Quinn, tenor Henry Drangel, and bass Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera.

Curious to learn more about the opera’s story and what makes it so moving? Check out this post on Simone Weil, the central figure of the production.

Peruse the photo highlights below, courtesy of Ashley Smith / Wide Eyed Studios.

Jeysla Rosario Santos as Reader.

Nikan Ingabire Kanate as Narrator.

Nikan Ingabire Kanate as Narrator.

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader) and Carlyle Quinn (Alto), Henry Drangel (Tenor), Maya Mor-Mitrani (Soprano), Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (Bass)

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader) and Carlyle Quinn (Alto), Henry Drangel (Tenor), Maya Mor-Mitrani (Soprano), Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (Bass).

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator), front; with Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), kneeling; and Carlyle Quinn, Henry Drangel, Maya Mor-Mitrani, and Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (L–R).

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator), front; with Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), kneeling; and Carlyle Quinn, Henry Drangel, Maya Mor-Mitrani, and Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (L–R).

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), center, with Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera, Carlyle Quinn, Maya Mor-Mitrani, and Henry Drangel (L–R).

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), center, with Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera, Carlyle Quinn, Maya Mor-Mitrani, and Henry Drangel (L–R).

Jeysla Rosario Santos (reader), Nikan Ingabire Kanate (narrator), Carlyle Quinn (alto), Maya Mor-Mitrani (soprano)

Jeysla Rosario Santos (reader), Nikan Ingabire Kanate (narrator), Carlyle Quinn (alto), Maya Mor-Mitrani (soprano).

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader) and Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator)

Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader) and Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator).

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (narrator) with Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (bass) and Maya Mor-Mitrani (soprano), Jeysla Rosario Santos (reader), Carlyle Quinn (alto), and Henry Drangel (tenor)

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (narrator) with Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (bass) and Maya Mor-Mitrani (soprano), Jeysla Rosario Santos (reader), Carlyle Quinn (alto), and Henry Drangel (tenor).

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator) and Jeysla Rosario Santos (reader)

Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator) and Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader).

The cast bows with conductor Marc Lowenstein following the performance. From L to R: Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator), Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (Bass), Maya Mor-Mitrani (Soprano), Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), conductor Marc Lowenstein, Carlyle Quinn (Alto), Henry Drangel (Tenor).

The cast bows with conductor Marc Lowenstein following the performance. From L to R: Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Narrator), Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera (Bass), Maya Mor-Mitrani (Soprano), Jeysla Rosario Santos (Reader), conductor Marc Lowenstein, Carlyle Quinn (Alto), Henry Drangel (Tenor).

Feb 19, 2026

The Principled Life of Philosopher Simone Weil

The radical philosopher—the central figure of Curtis Opera Theatre’s upcoming production—worked in factories, served at refugee camp, and joined the Spanish Civil War.