Seraphic Fire recently concluded its FY26 Spring Board Meeting with a powerful sense of momentum, gratitude, and optimism for the future. Hosted once again by our longtime partners at Republica Havas, the evening brought together board members, supporters, artists, and staff to reflect on one of the most successful seasons in the organization’s history and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for South Florida’s GRAMMY-nominated professional choir.
We are deeply grateful to Republica Havas for generously opening their space to us once again and for their continued support of Seraphic Fire and the Miami arts community. Their hospitality helped create an evening that was both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
One of the Strongest Seasons in Seraphic Fire History
The numbers shared during the meeting reflected extraordinary growth across the organization.
Total ticket sales revenue increased by 36% compared to the prior season, marking one of the strongest box office performances in recent history. Subscription sales revenue also continued to climb, alongside a dramatic increase in the number of subscriber households and significantly faster sales activity throughout the season.
Perhaps most exciting was the growth in new audiences. Nearly 1,000 first-time ticket buyers attended Seraphic Fire performances this season, introducing a new generation of listeners to live professional choral music across Miami, Coral Gables, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami Beach, and Naples.
Naples continued to emerge as one of Seraphic Fire’s fastest-growing markets, with audience size doubling from the previous season. Programs such as American Folk and Candlelight attracted enthusiastic new audiences while reaffirming the organization’s reputation for innovative programming and world-class artistry.
The organization also celebrated its recognition as the 2025 Miami Herald Miami-Dade Favorite Nonprofit, a major community honor voted on by readers across South Florida. The award reflected not only artistic excellence, but the deep connection Seraphic Fire has built with audiences over the past 24 years.
An Emotional Evening Honoring Patrick Dupre Quigley
The meeting also marked Patrick Dupre Quigley’s final board meeting as Artistic Director before transitioning into his new role as Artistic Director Laureate.
Patrick shared a heartfelt reflection on the remarkable journey of building Seraphic Fire from a startup ensemble into one of the nation’s most respected professional vocal organizations. His remarks reflected on the organization’s artistic growth, educational impact, national recognition, and the community that helped sustain Seraphic Fire for nearly a quarter century.
There were few dry eyes in the room.
Patrick spoke movingly about the people behind Seraphic Fire’s success, from artists and audiences to board members, staff, donors, and volunteers who believed in the organization from the very beginning. He reflected on Seraphic Fire’s more than 1,000 performances, international reputation, GRAMMY nominations, education programs, and artistic innovations that helped shape the national choral field.
Most importantly, the evening celebrated a legacy that continues forward. Patrick will remain part of the Seraphic Fire family as Artistic Director Laureate and returns next season to conduct One for All in January 2027.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting New Chapter
The board also reviewed plans for the upcoming 2026-2027 season, the first full season under incoming Artistic Director and GRAMMY Award-winning conductor James K. Bass. The season features a wide range of programs, including Blue Notes, Northern Lights, American Poets, Misa Criolla, and the return of Seraphic Fire’s beloved candlelit Christmas performances.
Subscriptions are currently on sale, and audiences are encouraged to renew or subscribe early to secure the best seats before single tickets go on sale.
Subscribers receive priority seating, discounted pricing, flexibility throughout the season, and guaranteed access to one of the most exciting classical music seasons in South Florida.
Help Us Finish the Fiscal Year Strong
As the organization approaches the close of FY26, Seraphic Fire is on track to finish the fiscal year with a balanced budget for the second consecutive year, an extraordinary achievement for any arts organization.
There is still important work ahead.
Subscription renewals continue, and Seraphic Fire’s $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge remains active through May 31. Every gift helps sustain the artistry, education programs, and professional musicians that make Seraphic Fire possible.
Every dollar truly counts.
If you believe in the importance of live classical music, arts education, and supporting one of the nation’s leading professional vocal ensembles, now is the perfect time to invest in Seraphic Fire’s future.
To subscribe or make a gift, visit seraphicfire.org or call our friendly and helpful staff at 305.285.9060. We would love to help answer any questions and welcome you into another extraordinary season of music.
