San Ignacio, a sacred opera
March 11, 2027 | 7:30pm
TICKETS ON SALE 7/1/26 AT 9AM!
The Academy of Sacred Drama, under the direction of Jeremy Rhizor (pictured below), and in collaboration with the vocal ensemble AMPERSAND, presents a rare revival of San Ignacio, a Baroque opera originally composed in the 18th-century Jesuit missions of Bolivia. This unique work, meticulously recompiled by Catholic priest Piotr Nawrot from fragmented manuscripts found in the archives of Chiquitos and Moxos, tells the story of the spiritual journey of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Marking its New York premiere, the performance pairs sacred opera with elevating mission music in a unique fusion of indigenous and European voices.
The Academy of Sacred Drama is an American performing arts ensemble that presents sacred stories drawn from Biblical tales and the lives of the saints in dramatic musical productions. We produce performances of oratorios, cantatas, and sacred opera from the Baroque era and make editions and English translations of old manuscripts. Our work is the only means for American audiences to experience the forgotten riches of the Baroque oratorio repertoire. Between 2017–2020, we produced a print and online publication called the Sacred Drama Journal, and we have been featured or mentioned in publications including The New York Times, Commonweal Magazine, The Magazine of Early Music America, WAG Magazine (based in Westchester County), and National Catholic Reporter. The Academy makes program booklets modeled on historical opera and oratorio libretti booklets which many audience members keep for their home libraries.
