Seraphic Fire welcomes the holiday season with a candle lit musical journey inspired by the beloved poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. From December 6 through 16, audiences across South Florida and Naples will be treated to a festive concert filled with timeless carols, cherished traditions, and new musical discoveries that capture the warmth and wonder of Christmas.
This annual holiday program has become one of the ensemble’s most treasured traditions. Each December, Seraphic Fire brings together familiar melodies, soaring new works, and the glowing sound that has defined the ensemble for more than twenty years. This year’s concert features classic carols alongside music inspired by the imagery and spirit of Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, creating an evening that blends nostalgia with fresh artistry.
A Seasonal Soundscape of Story and Song
The concert highlights some of the most beloved Christmas carols in the repertoire. The First Noel, Joy to the World, Silent Night, and Carol of the Bells return with the ensemble’s signature clarity and warmth. These works are paired with a musical retelling of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, bringing the story to life through vivid choral color.
Several new pieces join the program. Audiences will hear The Christmas Processional by Audrey Snyder, In the Stillness by Sally Beamish, and The Quiet Heart by June Collin. The concert also features the Latvian favorite Only in Sleep by Ēriks Ešenvalds, built around a stunning soprano solo that floats above the choir with dreamlike beauty.
To reflect the magic of the poem’s imagery, Seraphic Fire includes a choral arrangement of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. In a nod to St. Nicholas himself, the ensemble performs Jolly Old St. Nicholas, a rare addition that promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Additional selections include:
Sleep, my pretty one, sleep by Joseph Phibbs
Once, As I Remember by Charles Wood
The Truth Sent From Above by R. Vaughan Williams
Together, these works create a holiday program that is both joyful and reflective, filled with moments of stillness, anticipation, and celebration.
A Musical Tradition for All Ages
Each December concert carries a sense of community and shared celebration. Seraphic Fire’s candle lit performances invite audiences to slow down and reconnect with the season through music that feels intimate and familiar. The program blends storytelling, carol singing, and shimmering choral textures that appeal to listeners young and old.
Conductor James K. Bass leads the ensemble in this year’s performances. His vision emphasizes the nostalgia and excitement that define the holidays. These concerts are designed to recapture the childlike feeling of Christmas Eve, filled with quiet expectation and joyful surprise.
Experience the Magic Live
Join Seraphic Fire for this cherished December tradition and welcome the holidays with an evening of beauty and light. This concert series brings the ensemble to communities across South Florida, each performance offering a memorable start to the season.
Performances:
- Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 pm | All Saints Episcopal, Ft. Lauderdale
- Sunday, December 7 at 7:30 pm | St. Philip’s Episcopal, Coral Gables
- Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30 pm | St. Sophia Greek Orthodox, Miami
- Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm | St. Gregory’s Episcopal, Boca Raton
- Friday, December 12 at 8:00 pm | Church of the Little Flower, Coral Gables
- Sunday, December 14 at 4:00 pm | Dennis C. Moss Center, Cutler Bay
- Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm | Moorings Presbyterian, Naples
The Christmas program will also travel out of state with a special performance on Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 pm at The Grafton Brick Meeting House in Grafton, Vermont.
A Pre Concert Conversation will take place one hour before each performance.
Tickets and subscriptions are available now at SeraphicFire.org/tickets or by calling 305.285.9060.
