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Martha and Mary Magdalene by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

In March 2023, the Academy of Sacred Drama will present a powerful Lenten reflection: a musical drama by Giovanni Bononcini, his oratorio La conversione di Maddalena (1701). In this tale of the conversion of Mary Magdalene, the beautiful courtesan walks away from a life of pleasure, influenced by her persistent sister, Martha. Performances will take place in Scarsdale, NY on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 PM and in New York City on Saturday, March 25 at 7:45 PM.

We have a stellar cast for A Change of Heart: Awet Andemicael, soprano, is cast as Mary Magdalene, and Janna Critz, mezzo-soprano, plays the role of her sister Martha. Nola Richardson, soprano, appears as Divine Love and is set in opposition to John Taylor Ward, bass-baritone, as Profane Love.

2022–2023 Season

Join us for an exciting new season, as we “Triumph Over Temptation”.

What’s Oratorio?

Learn about a forgotten musical genre that was popular for over 150 years.

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