Touring Programs
PROGRAM: Shalom / Pax : Sephardic and Gregorian Chant
With Special Guest Cantor George Mordecai
Seraphic Fire and specialist in the Babylonian cantorial tradition Cantor George Mordecai explore the similarities and differences of Jewish and Christian chant in this thought-provoking program of cultural unity. Chants and songs from the Iraqi and Sephardic Jewish traditions performed by Cantor Mordecai will be interwoven with Gregorian chants, Medieval organum, and Renaissance motets sung by the men of Seraphic Fire.
El Nora/Alleluia, Traditional Babylonian / Francisco Penalosa
Agnus Dei de Angelis / Wa a martem, Gregorian Chant / Babylonian Chant
Number of Performers: 10 singers, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: This program works best in a reverberant church or synagogue. If the venue has choir galleries, the performance will include antiphonal performances of a few pieces.
Equipment Needed: 2 music stands, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
PROGRAM: IKON: Music of Russia and Byzantium
Two years after Rachmaninoff wrote his famous Vespers in 1915, the Russian Revolution silenced sacred music and the voice of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today one hears resurgence in the glorious Orthodox musical tradition. In Ikon, audiences will recognize classics and hear undiscovered gems in this exploration of music from Russia, Greece, Estonia and Ukraine. Prominently featured will be the music of the contemporary Greek Orthodox composer John Tavener, whose Prayer for Athene, was heard at the funeral of Princess Diana.
Song for Athene – John Tavener
Number of Performers: 13 singers, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: A large reverberant church with a center aisle works best for this program. When possible, Seraphic Fire brings candles and two icons as part of this concert experience.
Equipment Needed: 1 easel, 2 small tables, 2 music stands, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
PROGRAM: This Is Seraphic Fire!
A marvelous introduction to the artistry of Seraphic Fire! The dynamic young ensemble sings the music that has brought it to prominence – a combination of stunning motets and choral miniatures combined with soul-stirring pieces from our nation’s folk tradition. This is a jaw-dropping display of vocal talent.
Bright Hour Delayed by Ingram Marshall
Number of Performers: 13 singers, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: This program works in any space. The piano should be on a cradle for easy movement.
Equipment Needed: 1 grand piano, 1 upright string bass, 2 music stands, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
PROGRAM: Amazing Grace: A Gospel and Bluegrass Journey
Sung throughout history by abolitionists, within African-American churches, by rural Appalachian congregations, and famously recorded by folk singer Judy Collins, the hymn Amazing Grace has represented many aspects of the American experience. Seraphic Fire explores the musical styles which have adopted Amazing Grace as their own.
Never Grow Old – Alfred Brumley
Victory is Mine – Traditional Gospel
Number of Performers: 12 singers, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: This program is wonderful in a small theater or town hall, but any space will suffice. The piano should be on a cradle for easy movement.
Equipment Needed: 1 grand piano, 1 upright string bass, 2 music stands, 6 chairs, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
PROGRAM: SWAY! Music of Latin America & the Caribbean
A celebration of the nation’s Latin and Caribbean heritage, Seraphic Fire presents Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla as well as music from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Haiti and Peru. This glorious evening of rhythm-filled music is a wonderful introduction to the art music of Latin America.
Padre Nuestro – Alvaro Bermudez
Credo from Misa Criolla – Ariel Ramirez
Number of Performers: 13 or 17 singers (depending on outreach activities), 2 instrumentalists, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: This program works well in any space. If a high-school or collegiate choir will be joining Seraphic Fire for the Misa Criolla, choral risers will be required.
Equipment Needed: 3 music stands, 2 chairs, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
Choral risers (if Seraphic Fire is joined by a high-school or university chorus)
PROGRAM: The Jew and the Gentile
At a time when Jews were confined to the ghettoes of Italy, Salamone Rossi broke through the theological prejudices of the 16th century to revolutionize and ignite the musical world around him. His close relationship with Catholic composer Claudio Monteverdi inspired his vibrant music-making, and propelled him to becoming the father of modern Jewish composition. Seraphic Fire journeys to the court of powerful Gonzaga family in Mantua, Italy, to celebrate these two masters.
Dixit Dominus—Claudio Monteverdi
Number of Performers: 13 singers, 4 instrumentalists, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: A reverberant church or synagogue is preferred. Choir galleries allow for antiphonal performances.
Equipment Needed: 1 tuned harpsichord or chamber organ, 1 chair, 4 music stands
1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
PROGRAM: Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas
Love. Passion. Treachery! The dynamic young musicians of Seraphic Fire bring to life one of the greatest love stories in history. From Dido and Aeneas comes the hauntingly beautiful aria “When I am Laid In Earth” which has been sung by countless artists over the years.
Act III from Dido and Aeneas – Henry Purcell
Number of Performers: 17 singers, 5 instrumentalists, 1 conductor
Technical Requirements: This program was designed to be easily performed in any space. It is particularly good for church venues with altar areas.
Equipment Needed: 1 tuned harpsichord, 1 small table, 8 music stands, 1 microphone for speaking (if venue requires)
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