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The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine Announces Acclaimed Opera Soprano Susanna Phillips as New Artist in Residence

Posted February 25, 2026

The acclaimed soprano will appear as a featured soloist in “Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem” on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Cathedral.

Tickets can be purchased here.

New York, NY – February 24, 2026 – The Cathedral of St. John the Divine announces the appointment of opera singer and recitalist Susanna Phillips as a three-year Artist in Residence. Phillips is widely regarded as one of today’s foremost American sopranos. Her career highlights include performing on some of the world’s most prestigous stages, including the Metropolitan Opera in more than 11 roles, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cincinnati Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu and more. Dedicated to symphonic works, Phillips has performed with highly esteemed orchestras such as The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and more.

As a part of the Cathedral’s residency program, Phillips will collaborate with Cathedral leadership to present artistic experiences that reflect the Cathedral’s role as both a sacred space and a center for the arts, expanding access to music as an expression of spiritual life and cultural engagement. The Cathedral’s residency program was founded in the 1970s and has showcased world-class musicians such as Judy Collins, Jason Robert Brown, David Briggs and Paul Winter, reflecting the Cathedral’s longstanding commitment to the arts as central to its mission. 

“As a member of the neighborhood, I am thrilled to collaborate with the thriving community at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine alongside The Very Reverend Winnie Varghese, Dean, The Reverend Canon Steven Lee, Vicar, Laura Fois Bosley, Executive Director of Cathedral Programming, and other leaders who uphold the Cathedral’s mission. I am especially honored to work with Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music and Organist, whose artistic vision continues to elevate our shared cultural and spiritual life. Together, we look forward to deepening our engagement with the arts, faith, and the diverse people of our city,” said Susanna Phillips.  

On Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Phillips will be a featured soloist in Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. Johannes Brahms called his requiem a “Human Requiem.” The words of his own choosing combine to console, comfort, and lift the souls of the living. The Cathedral Orchestra will perform the Andantino from Sibelius' Third Symphony to reflect on the people of Minnesota and the Minnesota Orchestra's long connection with the music of Sibelius, a beloved hero of Finland. A video montage will be presented reflecting the recent crisis in Minneapolis and other cities in America. This concert is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and New York State Legislature. Tickets range from $45, $75 and $125 and can be purchased here.

“We are so excited to announce Susanna Phillips as an Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Her artistry is matched only by her commitment to human connection. Here we believe music is a sacred tool for unity. Susanna’s residency will not only greatly enhance our vision for music ministry here at the Cathedral; it will inspire and draw our community more deeply together,” said Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music & Organist. 

For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.stjohndivine.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @StJohnDivineNYC.

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About The Cathedral

Founded in 1892 and one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the trustees of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine conceived its mission to be a house of prayer for all people, an instrument of church unity, and a center of intellectual light and leading in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Today, as the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the seat of its bishop, the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine serves the many diverse people of our diocese, city, nation and world through the worship of God; pastoral, educational and community outreach activities; cultural and civic events; international ecumenical initiatives; and the preservation of the great architectural and historic site that is its legacy.