Premiere of Holy Women: A New Cantata by Robert Sirota October 5, 2011

New York Premiere of "Holy Women: Lives of the Women Saints in the Stained Glass Windows of St. Bede’s Chapel," a new Cantata for nine singers and chamber ensemble composed by Robert Sirota, with libretto by Victoria Sirota.

The performers, conducted by Robert Sirota, include sopranos Maeve Hoglund, Amy Justman, Michelle Repella, and Jessica Klein; mezzo sopranos Abigail Fischer, Laurel Masse, Margaret Peterson, Amy Baumann; contralto Lisa Chavez; Christopher James, flute; Lauren Blackerby, oboe; Jordan Dodson, guitar; Victoria Sirota, organ; Nicholas Mann, violin; and David Geber, cello.

Holy Women tells the stories of the nine women saints – whose lives spanned 16 centuries – represented in St. Bede’s Chapel’s magnificent stained glass windows. Each window tells the story of a different saint, depicted with specific images and symbols emblematic of her life.

The stained glass windows in St. Bede’s Chapel were designed by two prominent London firms. The north window, installed in 1915, was designed by influential London artist Christopher Whall and his daughter, Veronica. The south window was designed by the highly regarded London firm of James Powell & Sons and installed in 1921.

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