A new chapter in Seraphic Fire's history is about to begin.
On October 15, GRAMMY Award-winning conductor James K. Bass will take the podium for his inaugural concert as Artistic Director, opening the ensemble's 24th season with Serenade to Music.
For audiences who have followed Seraphic Fire over the years, James is already a familiar presence. His relationship with the ensemble spans many seasons, and his musicianship has helped shape some of its most memorable performances.
Now, he begins a new role, leading Florida's only GRAMMY-nominated professional choir into its next chapter.
A Familiar Face, A New Artistic Vision
James officially became Artistic Director on June 1, 2026, succeeding Seraphic Fire Founder Patrick Dupre Quigley, who concluded his tenure after 24 seasons and now serves as Artistic Director Laureate.
A GRAMMY Award-winning conductor and professor at UCLA, James brings extensive experience in professional choral music as both a conductor and performer. His longstanding connection to Seraphic Fire gives him a deep understanding of the ensemble's artists, traditions, and extraordinary musical capabilities.
His leadership has already received significant recognition.
South Florida Classical Review praised James Bass' "consistently skilled musicianship and superb direction," adding that his leadership "points to an innovative and exciting future for Seraphic Fire."
That future begins with a season celebrating the remarkable versatility of the human voice.
Classical masterworks remain central to Seraphic Fire's artistic identity. At the same time, James is bringing his own musical perspective to the programming, introducing new repertoire and exploring connections between composers, musical traditions, and centuries of history.
The result is a season that honors the artistry audiences have come to expect while offering new musical discoveries.
Seven Programs, Countless Musical Possibilities
Season 24 reflects the breadth of James's artistic vision.
The season opens with Serenade to Music, featuring choir and chamber orchestra in works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Dieterich Buxtehude, Eric Whitacre, and Caroline Shaw.
November's Blue Notes explores American jazz, with music associated with Nat King Cole, Etta James, and Cole Porter. December brings the return of Noel: An Old-World Christmas, Seraphic Fire's beloved candlelit holiday tradition.
In January, Patrick Dupre Quigley returns to conduct One for All, a program celebrating more than 1,000 years of music written for men's voices.
The season continues with Northern Lights, featuring music inspired by Northern Europe, followed by American Poets, exploring the relationship between poetry and choral music. April's Misa Criolla concludes the season with Ariel Ramírez's vibrant combination of sacred tradition and South American folk music.
Together, these seven programs demonstrate the extraordinary range of Seraphic Fire's professional artists.
James's commitment to the organization's future also extends beyond the concert stage. This summer, he helped lead the High School Professional Choral Institute, working with young singers as part of Seraphic Fire's longstanding commitment to music education.
Developing the next generation of musicians remains an important part of the organization's mission as it enters this new era.
An Inaugural Concert Worth Celebrating
For his first concert as Artistic Director, James selected a program that holds particular meaning.
He originally considered calling it Premieres because Seraphic Fire will perform every work for the first time.
The program spans more than three centuries, bringing together Baroque, Romantic, 20th-century, and contemporary music. It also showcases the ensemble's remarkable versatility, with 16 professional singers joined by instrumentalists from South Florida.
It is a fitting introduction to James's artistic leadership and the possibilities ahead.
From October 15–18, Serenade to Music will be performed in Naples, Coral Gables, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton.
For 24 years, Seraphic Fire has built a national reputation as one of the country's leading vocal ensembles. With James K. Bass at the podium, that story continues.
A new Artistic Director. A new season. And an exciting future for Seraphic Fire.
Join us for the beginning.
Single tickets and season subscriptions are available at SeraphicFire.org. You can also call our friendly and helpful staff at 305.285.9060 for assistance selecting a performance.
