On Monday night, Seraphic Fire’s Board of Directors gathered for its FY26 Winter Meeting, an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate recent milestones, and look ahead with confidence. The meeting took place at the República Havas offices, located in the same building as Seraphic Fire, and we are grateful for their generosity in hosting us. Special thanks to Gus Fernandez, Vice President of Production and Operations, for making the space available and welcoming the board so warmly.
The evening reinforced what many in our community already know: Seraphic Fire is operating from a position of strength, guided by steady leadership, disciplined financial planning, and a deeply engaged board committed to long term success.
Leadership and Financial Stability
Under the leadership of Board Chair Diane Ashley and Executive Director Danny M. Yanez, Ed.D., CFRE, Seraphic Fire continues to demonstrate strong governance and responsible stewardship. The organization is on track to finish the fiscal year with a balanced budget for the second year in a row, a meaningful accomplishment for any nonprofit arts organization, particularly in the post pandemic landscape.
This consistency reflects thoughtful decision making and a shared commitment to protecting the artistic mission while strengthening the organization’s financial foundation.
Record Attendance and Audience Growth
Another highlight of the meeting was the continued growth in concert attendance and earned revenue. Audience numbers and ticket sales are at all time highs, surpassing pre-Covid levels. This is a significant achievement for a professional choir in today’s arts environment and speaks to the power of live music and the loyalty of Seraphic Fire’s audiences.
Across Miami, Naples, Coral Gables, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton, listeners continue to seek out Seraphic Fire for world class performances. As a GRAMMY-nominated professional vocal ensemble, Seraphic Fire has become a destination for some of the best live classical music in South Florida, offering concerts that combine artistic excellence with a deeply personal audience experience.
A Community Honor Worth Celebrating
The board also celebrated Seraphic Fire being named Miami-Dade’s Favorite Nonprofit for 2025 by the Miami Herald. This recognition is especially meaningful in a county home to more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations. Being selected as the favorite reflects an extraordinary level of community support and trust.
This honor affirms the belief that world class choral music and music education matter. It recognizes Seraphic Fire not only as one of the top professional choirs in South Florida, but also as an organization that connects people through live music in South Florida and Naples. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted and helped elevate Seraphic Fire in this community wide celebration.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, Seraphic Fire looks forward to its three remaining concerts, each offering a distinct musical experience and a chance to gather together through live performance. These programs bring the season to a powerful close and reflect the breadth and artistry that define the ensemble.
The meeting also marked an important transition. At the end of the fiscal year on May 31, Patrick Dupre Quigley will assume the role of Artistic Director Laureate. While this signals a new chapter, Patrick will continue to conduct and remain closely involved with Seraphic Fire. We are equally excited to welcome James K. Bass as Artistic Director, building on a remarkable legacy while guiding the ensemble into its next era.
With strong leadership, financial stability, record attendance, and a clear artistic vision, the future of Seraphic Fire has never been brighter.
The final Board of Directors meeting of the fiscal year is scheduled for May 4, 2026. We look forward to continuing this momentum together.
