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In southern California in 1846, Chonita, a young Mexican lady, is courted both by Bernal, a Mexican soldier, and Captain Burton, an American officer. She loves Bernal, but needs the protection of Burton and the soldiers at his Mission. Bernal, hidden in the woods, sees Burton declare his love for Chonita; later, he swears vengeance on him. Bernal and Chonita sing of their love for each other and their fears for the future before Bernal leaves for an attack on the Mission.
In a ruined church the next day, a group of American soldiers talk about their victory in the previous night's battle. They are visited by an Indian flower-seller and a troupe of dancing Gypsies. While the soldiers are outside watching the Gypsies dance, Thomasa and Chonita arrive. Burton tells Chonita about the battel, and she learns that Bernal has been killed. Burton, realizing he has killed her lover, is devestated; he begs for her forgiveness. She sends him away, and Bernal enters; he has only been wounded after all. Burton returns, and Chonita throws herself between the two men as they fight and is wounded on Burton's sword. The Americans drag Bernal off.
The next morning the wounded Chonita, resting in her aunt's house, prays for safety. Padre Gabriel sends Tomasa to bring Burton and Bernal, to tell the Captain that Chonita wishes for a last word with her love. They come, and Chonita begs Burton for Bernal's life. As Burton asks how he can reconcile his love for Chonita with his duty, the Padre's soldiers attack, and Burton, to save Chonita, allows himself to be killed. The Mexican soldiers take Conita and Bernal away as the curtain falls.
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Chonita's Prayer from The Sacrifice, on
Souvenirs from American Operas.
Various artists, 1998.
Compact disc: IRCC 818. 
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