In a time of siege and despair, a courageous widow defies the odds, using her beauty and cunning to save her people from an overwhelming enemy. Premiered in either Rome or Naples in 1697, Scarlatti's dramatic oratorio features a libretto by Prince Antonio Ottoboni and a score for three voices, basso continuo, and strings.

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

Christina Kay, soprano, as Giuditta
Kim Leeds, mezzo-soprano, as Nutrice
Philip Anderson, tenor, as Oloferne

Jeremy Rhizor, music director
Tony Lopresti, movement director
Adam Cockerham, associate music director

Judith and the Invader (Scarsdale)