St. Ursula, a princess and her virgin companions embark on a perilous pilgrimage, facing trials, tribulations, and ultimately, martyrdom for their unwavering faith. Premiered between 1695–1700, Scarlatti’s dramatic oratorio features a score for five voices, basso continuo, strings, lute, and trumpet.

Commemorating the life and music of Alessandro Scarlatti

October 22, 2025 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Alessandro Scarlatti, one of the preeminent oratorio composers of the Baroque era. The Academy of Sacred Drama’s 2025–2026 season honors the composer with performances of two of his finest oratorios: La Giuditta “di Cambridge” from 1697 and Il martirio di S. Orsola (~1695–1700). The Academy is partnering with the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and the Yale Voxet for the performances of Il martirio di S. Orsola, and we are creating an edition of the manuscript of Scarlatti’s oratorio in the Beinecke Library at Yale University. An additional collaboration with NYC MasterChorale in a performance of Bach, Scarlatti, and Wassenaer rounds out the season.

Lucia Musso has graciously sponsored Adam Cockerham as the Director of Creation for the Scarlatti Festival. And we are also thankful for BY Wound Care Internal Medicine and Byoung Yang, MD for being our season sponsor!

Cast and Directors

Sant’Orsola (sung by member of Yale Voxtet)
Florida (sung by member of Yale Voxtet)
Giesu (sung by member of Yale Voxtet)
Ereo (sung by member of Yale Voxtet)
Giulio tirano (sung by member of Yale Voxtet)

Jeremy Rhizor and Stephen Stubbs, music directors
Tony Lopresti, movement director
Adam Cockerham, associate music director