South Florida is home to one of the most vibrant arts communities in the country. From Miami and Coral Gables to Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami Beach, and Naples, audiences have no shortage of cultural experiences to choose from. Yet year after year, Seraphic Fire continues to stand apart as one of the nation’s leading professional vocal ensembles and Florida’s only GRAMMY-nominated professional choir.
Now entering its 24th season, Seraphic Fire has built a national reputation for artistic excellence while remaining deeply connected to the South Florida communities it serves. What began in 2002 as a small Miami-based ensemble has grown into an internationally respected organization known for world-class performances, innovative programming, and one of the strongest music education initiatives in the country.
A Historic Season of Growth and Momentum
The recently completed 23rd season was one of the most successful in Seraphic Fire's history.
Ticket sales revenue increased by 36% compared to the prior season, making it one of the organization’s strongest box office years in more than a decade. Subscription revenue also climbed significantly, with subscriber households growing by 33% and nearly 1,000 first-time ticket buyers attending performances throughout the season.
Audience growth was particularly strong in Naples, where attendance doubled from the previous year. Programs such as American Folk, Candlelight, Gospel, and Surround Sound drew enthusiastic audiences across South Florida and reinforced Seraphic Fire’s reputation for presenting live classical music experiences that feel immersive, emotionally powerful, and artistically exceptional.
This growth reflects something larger happening across the organization. New audiences are discovering Seraphic Fire, while longtime patrons continue to return season after season for the quality, creativity, and emotional connection found in every performance.
Recognized as Miami-Dade’s Favorite Nonprofit
This past year also brought one of the most meaningful honors in the organization’s history.
Seraphic Fire was named the 2025 Miami Herald Miami-Dade Favorite Nonprofit, selected from more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations across the county. The recognition reflected not only artistic excellence but the organization’s deep commitment to education, community engagement, mentorship, and cultural leadership throughout South Florida.
While many people first discover Seraphic Fire through its concerts, the organization’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Education programs reach thousands of students each year through workshops, school residencies, mentorship initiatives, student concerts, and professional training opportunities for emerging singers.
This combination of artistry and mission-driven work is what makes Seraphic Fire unique within the South Florida arts landscape.
One of the Country’s Strongest Choral Education Programs
Seraphic Fire’s education initiatives have become a national model for how professional arts organizations can support the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Programs such as the High School Professional Choral Institute, Choral Education Residency Program, Ensemble Artist Program, StudentAccess, and in-school workshops provide students with opportunities to sing, learn, perform, and collaborate alongside professional artists.
This past season alone, thousands of students across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties participated in Seraphic Fire educational programming.
The Ensemble Artist Program, developed in partnership with the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the University of Miami Frost School of Music, allows emerging professional singers to rehearse and perform alongside Seraphic Fire artists and the Seraphic Fire Period Orchestra in fully professional concert environments.
For many students, these experiences become transformational moments that shape confidence, creativity, discipline, and future career paths.
Honoring Patrick Dupre Quigley’s Legacy
The conclusion of the 23rd season also marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in Seraphic Fire history.
After 23 seasons as Founder and Artistic Director, Patrick Dupre Quigley concluded his tenure leading the organization he built from the ground up into one of the nation’s most respected professional choirs. Through his artistic vision, innovation, and commitment to excellence, Seraphic Fire earned international recognition, GRAMMY nominations, national reviews, acclaimed recordings, and a reputation for fearless programming that spans centuries of music.
Patrick now transitions into the role of Artistic Director Laureate and will continue conducting select programs in future seasons, including One for All in January 2027.
His legacy is permanently woven into the identity of Seraphic Fire and the artistic fabric of South Florida itself.
An Exciting New Era Under James K. Bass
As Seraphic Fire enters its 24th season, GRAMMY Award-winning conductor James K. Bass begins his first full season as Artistic Director.
James has been part of the Seraphic Fire family since the ensemble’s earliest years and brings both continuity and fresh artistic perspective to the organization’s future. Audiences can expect the same commitment to classical choral excellence that has defined Seraphic Fire for more than two decades, alongside thoughtful additions of modern and contemporary repertoire that expand the organization’s artistic reach.
The upcoming season includes programs such as Northern Lights, Blue Notes, American Poets, Misa Criolla, One for All, and the return of Seraphic Fire’s beloved holiday concerts.
The future of Seraphic Fire has never looked brighter.
Subscribe and Support the Future of Seraphic Fire
Season subscriptions for the 2026-2027 season are on sale now.
Subscribing early is the best way to secure the best seats before single tickets go on sale. Subscribers also receive discounted pricing, flexibility throughout the season, and guaranteed access to one of the most exciting classical music experiences in South Florida.
At the same time, Seraphic Fire is continuing its $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge as the organization approaches the close of its fiscal year on May 31. Every contribution helps support concerts, education programs, artist residencies, and outreach initiatives that impact thousands of students and audience members each year.
If you believe in the importance of live classical music, arts education, and building community through music, 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 answer any questions and help welcome you into another extraordinary season of music.
