A new chapter in Seraphic Fire's history has officially begun, and what an extraordinary beginning it was.
From October 15–18, audiences in Naples, Coral Gables, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton welcomed GRAMMY Award-winning conductor James K. Bass for his inaugural concert as Artistic Director. The program, Serenade to Music, opened Seraphic Fire's 24th season with four works the ensemble had never performed.
The result was a memorable weekend of music, an exciting artistic milestone, and an enthusiastic critical response that points toward a promising future.
A New Artistic Director, A Familiar Seraphic Fire Sound
For James, this inaugural concert represented both a homecoming and a beginning. Having performed with and conducted Seraphic Fire for years, he stepped into his new role with a deep understanding of the ensemble's musical identity and the artists who bring it to life.
In his review for South Florida Classical Review, critic Lawrence Budmen praised James's leadership and the ensemble's performance, writing that he "made an auspicious debut" as Artistic Director.
Budmen was particularly impressed by James's interpretation of Ralph Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, describing the ensemble's sound as beautifully balanced and blended.
The work held special significance for James. Vaughan Williams originally composed it with 16 singer friends in mind, assigning individual musical lines to artists he knew personally. James saw a natural connection to Seraphic Fire, whose professional singers have developed close musical relationships through years of performing together.
With 16 voices joined by instrumentalists from South Florida, the performance celebrated the individuality of each artist and the extraordinary sound they create together.
It was a fitting beginning to a new era.
Four Masterpieces, One Extraordinary Opening
The program demonstrated the remarkable versatility of Seraphic Fire's professional artists, moving across more than three centuries of choral music.
Eric Whitacre's When David Heard explored the profound grief of King David mourning his son Absalom. Its quiet opening, layered harmonies, and powerful emotional climaxes showcased the ensemble's extraordinary control and expressive range.
Budmen singled out the performance's dramatic contrasts, describing the dynamic range as "exceptional."
The second half of the program connected Baroque tradition with contemporary composition.
Dieterich Buxtehude's "Ad Manus" from Membra Jesu Nostri, led directly into Caroline Shaw's To the Hands, allowing audiences to experience how a musical idea from centuries ago could inspire a modern response.
The pairing revealed the thoughtful programming that James brings to his artistic leadership, honoring Seraphic Fire's longstanding excellence in early music while introducing audiences to compelling contemporary repertoire.
Throughout the concert, the ensemble's professional singers and instrumentalists brought extraordinary precision, warmth, and musicality to a program that demanded both technical excellence and emotional depth.
Budmen concluded that James's programming and the performances he drew from the ensemble "point to an exciting new era for Seraphic Fire."
The Beginning of an Exciting Season
For 24 seasons, Seraphic Fire has built a national reputation as one of the country's leading vocal ensembles. As Florida's only GRAMMY-nominated professional choir and a 2025 Miami Herald Miami-Dade Favorites Gold Award winner, we are proud of the artistic excellence and community support that have brought us to this moment.
With James K. Bass now leading the ensemble as Artistic Director, Serenade to Music offered an exciting glimpse of what lies ahead.
And the season is only beginning.
Next up is Blue Notes, November 19–22, when Seraphic Fire explores the golden age of American jazz. Backed by a small jazz combo, our artists will bring their signature vocal artistry to music associated with Nat King Cole, Etta James, and Cole Porter.
From there, the season continues with Noel: An Old-World Christmas, One for All, Northern Lights, American Poets, and Misa Criolla.
To everyone who joined us for opening weekend, thank you for being part of this special milestone. We look forward to sharing the music, the discoveries, and the extraordinary performances still to come.
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.
The next chapter of Seraphic Fire is underway, and we hope you'll be part of it.
