The Lily of Quito: Cantata on St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes With the Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola and featuring the Park Avenue Consort

Composer and soprano Dr. Stephanie Susberich presents The Lily of Quito, a cantata on St. Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, the 17th-century mystic and patroness of Ecuador. A member of the Third Order of St. Francis, Mariana is remembered for a life of devotion, sacrifice, and profound spiritual interiority, and is known as the “Lily of Quito,” a title linked to a miracle at her death.

Originally composed as Dr. Susberich’s doctoral dissertation, The Lily of Quito is a large-scale work for soprano and ensemble that seeks to render the saint’s inner world through a contemporary musical language shaped by lyricism, theology, and emotional precision. Drawing directly from Mariana’s own words, the work allows the saint to speak in her own voice, giving musical form to her lived spirituality rather than a retrospective portrayal.

Meet the Composer talk to precede concert. Reception to follow in Wallace Hall.

Concerts at St. Ignatius is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

https://ignatius.nyc/concerts/choir-ignatius-2026

Tickets: $25-$90. Doors open at 6:45pm