Planning the Season
A Seraphic Fire performance begins months before singers arrive on stage. Artistic Director Patrick Quigley sets the artistic vision, curating repertoire that spans Renaissance polyphony, Baroque masterpieces, modern gospel, and American folk traditions. His goal is always to build a season that challenges the ensemble, excites audiences, and upholds Seraphic Fire’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier vocal ensembles.
Guest conductors are also part of the planning, bringing fresh perspectives and musical ideas that broaden the season’s scope. Once repertoire is selected, the operations team begins a long process of preparation. Flights are booked, carpools arranged, hotel rooms secured, and contracts finalized with the singers and instrumentalists who come from across the country. By the time the first rehearsal begins, months of behind-the-scenes work have already made sure every part of the concert is ready.
From Rehearsal Room to Stage
A typical concert week includes six rehearsals. The ensemble meets on Monday for an initial session, continues with two rehearsals on Tuesday and Wednesday, and finishes with a final dress rehearsal on performance day. During these rehearsals, Patrick and the conductors shape the music, experimenting with standing formations and balances so every chord and phrase comes through clearly.
Venues like All Saints Episcopal in Ft. Lauderdale, St. Gregory’s Episcopal in Boca Raton, and Moorings Presbyterian in Naples are chosen because of their acoustics. The unique qualities of each space bring out different dimensions of Seraphic Fire’s sound. Small adjustments in where singers stand, how instruments are placed, or whether rugs are needed to soften the sound can transform what audiences hear. The ensemble often tries out different spots in the room, from the floor to the altar steps, to find the blend that works best for each performance space.
Much of this behind-the-scenes coordination is handled by the operations staff, including JJ Flores and Rachel Wresh, who manage travel logistics, work with venues, and support the artists from arrival to final bow. As Artistic Operations Manager, Andrea Leon-Moreno helps bring all these details together. “Every venue is different, and every performance has its own set of challenges,” Andrea says. “Our job is to make sure the singers can step on stage and focus entirely on the music, knowing everything else is taken care of.”
The Challenge and the Reward
Even with months of preparation, unexpected challenges always arise. A delayed flight, a missing piece of equipment, or a last-minute change in a venue’s setup can create obstacles. The production team approaches these moments with contingency plans and flexibility, allowing the singers to remain focused on artistry.
The most rewarding moment comes at the end of the concert, when the audience rises in applause and the singers take their bow. For the staff, that ovation is the confirmation that the hard work was worth it. Every choice, from repertoire to rehearsal to logistics, has led to a transformative experience that only live music can deliver.
More Than a Concert
What makes Seraphic Fire unique is the way artistry and logistics work hand in hand. Our conductors provide the artistic leadership, the singers bring unmatched skill, and the operations team supports every detail of travel, staging, and presentation. Each concert is the product of collaboration across departments, all dedicated to creating world-class performances in South Florida.
The result is an experience unlike any other. Seraphic Fire concerts are intimate, powerful, and unforgettable, shaped by months of behind-the-scenes effort. The next time you attend, you will know that the sound filling the room is not only the product of extraordinary singers but also of the dedicated team that made the performance possible.
Season subscriptions and single tickets are available now at seraphicfire.org/tickets or by calling 305.285.9060. Reserve your seat and experience the result of months of planning, preparation, and artistry in a Seraphic Fire concert.
