2020-21 SEASON | Volume II, Issue II
RETURNING TO THE STAGE PRESENTING OUR
2021-22 SEASON PAGE 8
REOPENING Q&A
with Executive Director
RHETT DEL CAMPO PAGE 14
BLENDING TRADITIONS
interview with composer
ALVARO BERMUDEZ PAGE 22
BOCA RATON | CORAL GABLES | FT. LAUDERDALE | MIAMI | MIAMI BEACH | NAPLES
CONTENTS Seraphic Fire presents the highest quality performances of historically significant and under-performed music, and advances art through the professional development, refinement, and documentation of our musicians’ talents while promoting community connectivity through educational programs.
Letter from Patrick Dupré Quigley . . . . . . . . . . 3 Artist Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 2021-22 Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Q&A with the Executive Director . . . . . . . 14-15 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-21 Article: Alvaro Bermudez . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Reopening Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Donor List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35
Over the past year, buffeted by uncertainty, I have taken particular comfort in music, but perhaps not for reasons that you might expect. For me (and perhaps for you), listening to music was actually quite difficult for the first months of the pandemic, bringing up feelings of longing and nostalgia that I wasn’t really ready to fully process at the time. Music brought with it memories of easier times with friends and anxiety about the present. But, over time, music also brought something I greatly needed: hope. The composition of music—any music—is, itself, an investment in the future. When Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his myriad works, it was a wager that these works would be performed at a later date. Sometimes this later date (in the case of the cantatas) was mere days away. In other instances, like that of the Mass in B minor, the music would not be performed in its entirety during Bach’s lifetime. Yet, even in this case, Bach still wrote music with the faith that it would be studied and performed in a more distant future. Each time we listen to a piece of music, we are experiencing an artist’s past dreams of the future. Whether it be the work of Hildegard von Bingen or Philip Glass, it is the composer’s visions of a future beyond her or his present that sounds in our minds. As performers and listeners, we are bringing to fruition days, months, years, and centuries of hopes. May our predecessors’ optimism about the future imbue our music with that same belief that art and humanity are resilient and that moments of joy, comfort, and consolation are still to come. Patrick Dupré Quigley Founder and Artistic Director
We have learned a great deal about our organization over the past 10 months: its resilience, the importance of our donors and supporters, emotional flexibility of our artists and staff, and most importantly our reasons for making art. Incredibly, these challenges have made us stronger than ever. We are grateful for the opportunity to support great art and want to assure you that when you support Seraphic Fire, you are making an investment in the future of professional choral singing because we are well-positioned to lead the way for choral performance and education for the next decade and beyond. The Board and administration are working with the medical experts on our COVID-19 Task Force to assure sound planning and decision making that will keep our singers and patrons safe. Our education team is producing uplifting and wonderful teaching materials that can be used in schools when we cannot be there in person. And, of course, our artists and staff have adapted in truly remarkable ways so that we can continue to bring you beautiful music this season. All of this is possible because of your continued support, both in terms of your subscriptions and your gifts. If you wonder what you can do to help Seraphic Fire stay strong and successful, please encourage your friends and relatives who are fans of great vocal music to consider purchasing tickets to our remaining concerts. A great benefit of multimedia performance is the opportunity to expand our exposure and fan base, and word of mouth is the most powerful tool for that. Dr. Thomas C. Boyd Chair, Seraphic Fire Board of Directors
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ARTIST ROSTER SEASON S PRODUCTION CREDITS Thank you to those who made our multimedia season come to life: Audio Engineer : Jamie Tagg Videographers : Enrico Lagasca, Patrick Muehleise Director/Producer : Southern Land Films Video Design : Enrico Lagasca Season S Branding & Design : Someone & Somebody Podcast Engineer : Paul John Rudoi, Alexis Aimé
For complete artist bios, visit SeraphicFire.org/About 4 | VOLUME II, ISSUE II
SOPRANO SARA GUTTENBERG CHORUS MASTER City: Byron, IL Seasons with SF: 13
NOLA RICHARDSON City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 3
CHELSEA HELM City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 3
MARGOT ROOD City: Alexandria, VA Seasons with SF: 10
JANE LONG City: Seattle, WA Seasons with SF: 2
ARTIST HIGHLIGHT REBECCA MYERS SOPRANO
ALTO
SARAH MOYER City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 6
LUTHIEN BRACKETT City: London, UK Seasons with SF: 7
ARWEN MYERS City: Portland, OR Seasons with SF: 2
ALEXANDRA COLAIZZI City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 1
MOLLY NETTER City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 4
AMANDA CRIDER City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 10
MOLLY QUINN City: Chapel Hill, NC Seasons with SF: 9
DOUGLAS DODSON City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 7
City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 6 Soprano Rebecca Myers is an accomplished solo and ensemble singer who performs an exceptionally wide range of repertoire around the world. She is a member of The Crossing, the two-time GRAMMY® Awardwinning vocal ensemble fully dedicated to the performance of new music. Last season, she performed in the world premiere of Aniara: fragments of time and space with The Crossing, which included performances in Philadelphia, Helsinki, and at the Haarlem Choral Biennale in The Netherlands. Rebecca is a member and one of the founders of the vocal sextet, Variant 6, a vocal ensemble that seeks to explore and advance the art of chamber music in the 21st century. As a member of Seraphic Fire, Rebecca has appeared as a soloist for rare performances of Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum. In 2019, Rebecca presented an art song recital at the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill with composer and pianist Benjamin C.S. Boyle. Her solo engagements last season included work with Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra, Tempesta di Mare, and Choral Arts Philadelphia. In past seasons, Rebecca has sung with Lyric Fest, Prometheus Chamber Orchestra, Opus Opera, and Bourbon Baroque. rebeccamyerssoprano.com
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TENOR
BASS
BLAKE BECKEMEYER City: Indianapolis, IN Seasons with SF: 1
ERIC ALATORRE City: San Francisco, CA Seasons with SF: 2
MARGARET LIAS City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 7
STEVEN BRADSHAW City: Philadelphia, PA Seasons with SF: 6
JAMES K. BASS ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR City: Los Angeles, CA Seasons with SF: 18
KIMBERLY LEEDS City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 2
BRAD DIAMOND City: Birmingham, AL Seasons with SF: 9
JOHN BUFFETT City: Los Angeles, CA Seasons with SF: 9
KATE MARONEY City: Brooklyn, NY Seasons with SF: 3
PATRICK MUEHLEISE City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 11
STEVEN EDDY City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 5
REGINALD MOBLEY City: Boston, MA Seasons with SF: 15
JAMES REESE City: Philadelphia, PA Seasons with SF: 1
KYLE FERRILL City: Ann Arbor, MI Seasons with SF: 7
CLARA OSOWSKI City: Minneapolis, MN Seasons with SF: 6
STEVEN SOPH City: Philadelphia, PA Seasons with SF: 10
MICHAEL HAWES City: Chicago, IL Seasons with SF: 3
WILLIAM DUFFY City: Montréal, QC Canada Seasons with SF: 1
ANDREW RADER City: Indianapolis, IN Seasons with SF: 3
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ENRICO LAGASCA City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 5
MATTHEW NIELSEN City: Santa Monica, CA Seasons with SF: 1
INSTRUMENTALISTS
JOSH COHEN TRUMPET City: Sterling, VA Seasons with SF: 5
PERRY SUTTON TRUMPET City: New Brunswick, NJ Seasons with SF: 1
ARTIST HIGHLIGHT EDSON SCHEID DE ANDRADE VIOLIN
KATIE HYUN VIOLIN City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 5
JOHN LENTI LUTE City: Seattle, WA Seasons with SF: 10
STEPHEN GOIST VIOLA City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 1
ALVARO BERMUDEZ GUITAR/COMPOSER City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 12
NATHANIEL CHASE BASS City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 4
LEON SCHELHASE HARPSICHORD City: Philadelphia, PA Seasons with SF: 5
JOSEPH MONTICELLO FLUTE City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 2
JUSTIN BLACKWELL ORGAN City: Brookline, MA Seasons with SF: 10
City: New York, NY Seasons with SF: 4 A native of Brazil, Edson Scheid is based in New York City, where he plays with the city’s leading period orchestras. He frequently performs throughout the United States, on both modern and period instruments, and in Europe, Asia, North and South America with such ensembles as Il Pomo d’Oro and Les Arts Florissants. His solo album, On Paganini’s Trail...H.W. Ernst and more, has been released under the Centaur Label – the first recording ever of this repertoire on a period violin. New York Concert Review writes that “Mr. Scheid is a superb violinist and a musician who can handle the fiendish challenges of this repertoire while finding the music in it,” and Early Music America praises Edson Scheid for taking “his time through these works, letting them breathe without losing sight of execution or musicality...” Edson Scheid holds degrees from the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, the Yale School of Music and The Juilliard School, where he was the recipient of a Kovner Fellowship. He is a two-time winner of the Historical Performance Concerto Competition at Juilliard, and a recipient of the Broadus Erle Prize at Yale. edsonscheid.com
GEOFFREY BURGESS OBOE City: Philadelphia, PA Seasons with SF: 5
STEPHEN KARR ORGAN City: Los Angeles, CA Seasons with SF: 1
ANNA FATEEVA PIANO City: Miami, FL Seasons with SF: 9 SEASON S
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presenting:
2021-22 SEASON
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NOVEMBER 2021
IMMORTAL GENIUS: PERGOLESI’S STABAT MATER Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor
Seraphic Fire returns for Season 19 with Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s celebrated sacred work Stabat Mater. Completed in Pergolesi’s final weeks of life as the young composer battled tuberculosis, the Baroque work is tender and expressive. The solo talents of Seraphic Fire artist Lauren Snouffer, soprano, illuminate in this chamber work featuring arias and duets with strings and organ.
Nov 4, 7:30 pm | Miami Nov 5, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables Nov 6, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale Nov 7, 4:00 pm | Boca Raton
DECEMBER 2021 A SERAPHIC FIRE CHRISTMAS James K. Bass, conductor
South Florida’s favorite holiday tradition, A Seraphic Fire Christmas, will return for Season 19 led by Associate Conductor James K. Bass. In what promises to be a joyful celebration of the holiday season, Seraphic Fire singers will serenade audiences with classics like Silent Night and Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, along with new favorites.
Dec 7, 7:00 pm | Naples Dec 8, 7:00 pm | Sarasota Dec 10, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables Dec 11, 7:30 pm | Miami Beach Dec 12, 7:00 pm | Ft. Lauderdale
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Dec 14, 7:00 pm | Boca Raton Dec 15, 7:30 pm | Miami Dec 17, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables Dec 19, 4:00 pm | SMDCAC
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JANUARY 2022 HILDEGARD: ORDO VIRTUTUM CD RELEASE CONCERT
Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor In January 2022, the women of Seraphic Fire, conducted by Patrick Quigley, will present an encore live performance celebrating the CD release of a work by the first documented female composer, Hildegard von Bingen. Her Ordo Virtutum (Play of Virtues) features a cast including Mercy, Victory, Patience, Discretion, and Charity. Originally intended to be sung by the nuns at Hildegard’s convent, the women of Seraphic Fire bring this nearly millennia-old masterpiece back to life.
Jan 20, 7:00 pm | Naples Jan 21, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables Jan 22, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale Jan 23, 4:00 pm | Miami Beach
FEBRUARY 2022
ENLIGHTENMENT FESTIVAL: MUSIC OF BACH, MOORE, AND PURCELL Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor
WEEK 1 If Music Be the Food of Love: A Valentine’s Day Concert Love songs from the British Isles will set a romantic atmosphere for Seraphic Fire’s Valentine’s Day program. Seraphic Fire artists will serenade audiences with love songs from English Baroque composer Henry Purcell and the Irish melodies of Thomas Moore.
Feb 17, 7:30 pm | Miami Feb 18, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables
Feb 19, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale Feb 20, 4:00 pm | Miami Beach
WEEK 2 Johann Sebastian Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring The Festival will continue with a concert dedicated to one of the world’s most enduring composers: Johann Sebastian Bach. The program will feature the lively Advent cantata Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland and intricate Mass in G minor, Bach’s cantata Hertz und Mund und Tat und Leben and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.
Feb 24, 7:00 pm | Naples Feb 25, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables
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Feb 26, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale Feb 27, 4:00 pm | Boca Raton
MARCH 2022 BIEBL: AVE MARIA MUSIC FOR MEN’S CHORUS James K. Bass, conductor
Associate Conductor James K. Bass leads the men of Seraphic Fire in a rousing concert of sea shanties, German partsongs, and the centerpiece of Franz Biebl’s iconic Ave Maria. Biebl wrote Ave Maria for an all-male Bavarian Firemen’s Chorus in the summer of 1959. Seraphic Fire now performs the Biebl and explores the tradition of music for men’s choirs that inspired this singular work. This stirring concert showcases the men of Seraphic Fire in a presentation of favorites as well as new compositions from Ileana Velazquez and Seraphic Fire University of Miami Student Composer-in-Residence, Melissa D’Albora.
Mar 23, 7:30 pm | Miami Mar 24, 7:00 pm | Naples Mar 25, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables
Mar 26, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale Mar 27, 4:00 pm | Miami Beach
APRIL 2022 HANDEL: MESSIAH
Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor For the first time since 2004, Seraphic Fire will perform the complete Handel’s Messiah. From the excitement of For Unto Us a Child is Born to the magnificence of the Hallelujah Chorus, Messiah is one of the consummate masterpieces of the Baroque canon. Though now most commonly performed at Christmas-time, Seraphic Fire will perform the masterwork in April as a tribute to its original composition for the Easter season.
Apr 28, 7:00 pm | Naples Apr 29, 7:30 pm | Coral Gables Apr 30, 7:30 pm | Ft. Lauderdale May 1, 4:00 pm | Boca Raton
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2021 2022
SUBSCRIPTION
ORDER FORM
To order, complete this form and mail with payment to: Seraphic Fire 2153 Coral Way, Suite 401, Miami, FL 33145 You also may call 305.285.9060
Full Season 7 Concerts FirePass 6 Concerts 5 Concerts 4 Concerts
# of Subs
STANDARD SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADDITIONAL TICKETS
# of Subs Total Full Season 7 Concerts x $245 = FirePass 6 Concerts x $222 = 5 Concerts x $185 = 4 Concerts x $148 = 3 Concerts x $120 = *3-concert package not available until September (Christmas not included)
Need additional tickets for guests? Enjoy extra tickets at special subscriber rates:
Total
x $371 = x $330 = x $275 = x $220 =
Select your programs & dates below:
# of Tix
PREMIER
Season Concerts Christmas
Total
x $55 = x $55 =
STANDARD
Season Concerts Christmas
x $37 = x $55 = # of Addt’l Tix
November 2021 Thu, Nov 4 Fri, Nov 5 Sat, Nov 6 Sun, Nov 7 Stabat Mater Miami Coral Gables (SPE) Ft. Lauderdale Boca Raton December 2021 Tue, Dec 7 Thu, Dec 8 Fri, Dec 10 Sat, Dec 11 Christmas Naples Sarasota Coral Gables (SPE) Miami Beach Sun, Dec 12 Wed, Dec 14 Thu, Dec 15 Fri, Dec 17 Ft. Lauderdale Boca Raton Miami Coral Gables (FUM) Thu, Jan 20 Fri, Jan 21 Sat, Jan 22 Sun, Jan 23 January 2022 Hildegard Naples Coral Gables (FUM) Ft. Lauderdale Miami Beach Thu, Feb 17 Fri, Feb 18 Sat, Feb 19 Sun, Feb 20 February 2022 Week 1 Miami Coral Gables (SPE) Ft. Lauderdale Miami Beach February 2022 Thu, Feb 24 Fri, Feb 25 Sat, Feb 26 Sun, Feb 27 Week 2 Naples Coral Gables (FUM) Ft. Lauderdale Boca Raton Wed, Mar 23 Thu, Mar 24 Fri, Mar 25 March 2022 Biebl Miami Naples Coral Gables (SPE) April 2022 Thu, Apr 28 Fri, Apr 29 Sat, Apr 30 Messiah Naples Coral Gables (FUM) Ft. Lauderdale
ENLIGHTENMENT FESTIVAL
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PREMIER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Sat, Mar 26 Sun, Mar 27 Ft. Lauderdale Miami Beach Sun, May 1 Boca Raton
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2021-22 SEASON Q&A WITH THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
As Seraphic Fire prepares to launch its 2021-22 Season, Executive Director Rhett Del Campo answers a few common questions from patrons – the what, when, why, and how of planning for a post-pandemic season: 1. WHEN WILL SERAPHIC FIRE RESUME NORMAL CONCERT ACTIVITIES? Our COVID-19 Task Force, which includes a virologist, epidemiologist, physician, and choral scholars, has advised us that a safe return to in-person choral performances will be possible as early as Fall 2021 given the current positive outlook and the efficacy of vaccines. We are eager to present a full season of seven programs following our usual schedule with the first subscription concerts November 4 - 7, 2021. We expect that in-person concerts November through January will have modifications to ensure safety. As a result, those concerts might only be available to subscribers. Because of this, we also will offer a digital option for all three programs.
2. HOW WILL SERAPHIC FIRE ENSURE A SAFE CONCERT ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS AUDIENCES? Seraphic Fire staff, with assistance of our COVID-19 Task Force, will make appropriate arrangements to follow and implement recommended safety measures from the CDC and local jurisdictions including mask requirements for everyone on site, temperature screenings, socially distanced seating, and capacity limits. Additionally, we might require proof of vaccination for all attendees if recommended by experts. In addition, our venues are making modifications such as additional signage, cleanings, and re-configuration of the seating areas. While the situation continues to evolve, and conditions at the time of our first scheduled concerts currently are hard to determine, Seraphic Fire is confident in our ability to provide a safe experience for everyone. And, we plan to make digital concert experiences available for those who choose not to attend in person.
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3. WHY ARE YOU PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON AND SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS SO EARLY WHEN THERE IS STILL SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY? Advance planning is what makes a season successful - develop unique programs, secure the best artists, reserve our preferred venues on the preferred dates, develop marketing plans and materials, submit successful proposals for financial support, etc. To do this, Seraphic Fire must commit substantial financial resources through contracts with artists,venues, and service providers well over a year in advance. While it may seem premature to some to be promoting and selling our programs for next season, it is vital that we secure your commitment to next season now so that we can continue planning with confidence. Without your buy-in, we would be unable to commit to presenting the most compelling and highest quality programs.
4. WHAT IF MY SEASON TICKETS TURN OUT TO BE UNUSABLE BECAUSE OF A RESURGENCE OF THE PANDEMIC? In the unlikely event that Seraphic Fire is forced to cancel in-person concerts during the 2021-22 Season, we will provide our patrons with the same flexibility we offered at the onset of the pandemic. If necessary, your options will include the ability to exchange into future seasons, change your purchase into a donation for tax credit, or receive a full refund.
5. WHAT IF REDUCED VENUE CAPACITY, DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS, PREVENTS ME FROM BEING ABLE TO ATTEND A CONCERT IN PERSON, OR I’M UNCOMFORTABLE ATTENDING FOR HEALTH-RELATED REASONS? Seraphic Fire will film and record programs on the first half of the 202122 Season (Nov-Jan). If any ticket holder is prevented from attending a concert due to capacity limitations or health concerns, they will be provided a professional quality video of the performance to enjoy at their convenience. If it is necessary to limit capacity, seating priority will be given to subscribers first, based on the date of subscription purchase. If Seraphic Fire anticipates capacity limits being reached for any performance based on the number of subscribers, we might limit or eliminate single ticket sales altogether. So subscribing early, among the other benefits, will help secure your seats for all performances this coming season.
6. WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE SURE SERAPHIC FIRE IS ABLE TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR? Continue giving us your support, and subscribe early! Because of the extraordinary generosity of our subscribers and donors last season, Seraphic Fire was able to honor its commitments to all our artists since the onset of the pandemic. The mutual trust and respect we have built with our artists is exemplary within this industry – it is a vital and precious asset our supporters help us to nurture. Our ability to come back strong and continue planning for a bright future also depends upon the strong and trusting relationship we have with you, our audience. Alan Fletcher, President and CEO of Aspen Music Festival and School, said it best in his June 2019 convocation remarks: “We must carry out our work understanding what, and who, makes that work possible… The profession of being a performer is an essential and beautiful one. We also have a profound need for a wonderful audience, and an audience that not only buys tickets, but that is philanthropic. I expect that all classical music organizations depend more than 50% on generosity – on contributed income rather than so-called earned income.”
Thank you to all who believe in Seraphic Fire’s mission. Next season’s success, and the excitement of future seasons yet-to-be-planned, will be a direct result of our patrons’ continued financial commitment and support.
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MUSIC EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI STUDENT COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE A student is selected to create a 5-minute work that Seraphic Fire will premiere during season subscription concerts. This student works closely with Seraphic Fire Associate Conductor James K. Bass throughout the season and regularly attends rehearsals and performances in preparation for the premiere. The residency includes composition workshops and routine guidance from Seraphic Fire artists and conductors. SERAPHIC FIRE YOUTH INITIATIVE Seraphic Fire’s Youth Initiative, in partnership with MiamiDade County Public Schools, the University of Miami, and Florida International University, is a free music education program serving elementary, middle, and high school students in some of Miami-Dade County’s most challenged communities. During multiple workshops throughout the school year, elementary students learn music theory, vocal pedagogy fundamentals, and elements of music history through interactive exercises with Seraphic Fire artists. In December and April of each season, Seraphic Fire performs a side-by-side concert with students from one of our partner elementary schools. These students receive weekly instruction through tandem work with the music specialist and an education liaison from one of the areas advanced degree music education programs. The elementary students perform pre-determined selections with the Seraphic Fire ensemble for approximately 1,200 pupils from the MiamiDade County schools. Secondary students are invited to participate in a one day Master Class working side by side with Seraphic Fire musicians in intensive sectionals, a joint rehearsal, and then performing in a concert with the Seraphic Fire ensemble that is open to the public free of charge. Seraphic Fire’s Youth Initiative is made possible in part by: HARRY F DUNCAN FOUNDATION
Seraphic Fire’s Youth Initiative is endowed in perpetuity by The Clinton Family Fund
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ENSEMBLE ARTIST PROGRAM Seraphic Fire’s Ensemble Artist Program at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, led by Associate Conductor James K. Bass, provides season-long vocal ensemble training to undergraduate and graduate voice students at UCLA. Seraphic Fire coaches provide dynamic presentations including: Masterclasses • Town Halls • Industry Lectures Participating students are invited to South Florida throughout the season to perform alongside the professional ensemble in subscription concerts. This program aims to help UCLA’s emerging professional singers discover outlets for professional employment while fulfilling Seraphic Fire’s educational mission to encourage the occupational advancement of musicians.
Seraphic Fire’s GRAMMY® nominated Professional Choral Institute at Aspen Music Festival and School is the first summer program in the country designed to prepare emerging singers to work in the growing industry of professional ensemble singing. PCI alumni have now performed with nearly every professional vocal ensemble in the country. In 2012, Seraphic Fire and PCI received a GRAMMY® nomination for their recording of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem.
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CD RELEASE HILDEGARD VON BINGEN: ORDO VIRTUTUM MAY 2021
*Subscribe to our 2021-22 Season by May 31st and receive a complimentary CD
In November 2019, the women of Seraphic Fire opened our 18th Season with a performance of the music of Hildegard von Bingen. Following the performances, Seraphic Fire professionally recorded this timeless masterpiece. ARTIST DEVELOPMENT FUND: As part of the organizational Strategic Plan, Seraphic Fire is establishing an Artist Development Fund to support career development opportunities for its artists. In order to help sustain the fund, the price of physical CDs will increase this season, from $15 to $20, with $5 from every sale going directly into the fund. Through the purchase of any physical Seraphic Fire CD, you now can help support the career development of our valuable artists.
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Luthien Brackett, performing in Ordo virtutum
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JOIN
GENERATION SERAPHIC SOCIETY!
“Pre-Concert Conversations further enhance the Seraphic Fire experience; pairing exquisite music to stir the heart and soul with insight into its creation, content and context to ever deepen one's appreciation.”
Carin
“Every week, the Youth Initiative brings us joy and happiness through singing here at Natural Bridge Elementary. This is important to us not just because we sing together, but because we share friendship and love.”
Shenaya Youth Initiative Student
Seraphic Fire Subscriber
“I loved the singing, marching, music, and waving my arms. I enjoyed every workshop this year because you guys are so energetic and happy!”
Precious 5th grade - Youth Initiative Student
“I loved the second workshop because we sang songs straight from my culture.”
Georges 5th grade - Youth Initiative Student
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“The Ensemble Artist Program and Professional Choral Institute provided me with opportunities to study and perform a wide range of choral repertoire side-byside with an ensemble of highly-talented singers. Thanks to lessons learned from these programs, I got the incredible opportunity to sing as a professional artist in Seraphic Fire’s 2019 Christmas Tour. These life changing experiences provided me a stepping stone into the world of professional ensemble singing.”
Elisse Ensemble Artist Program & Professional Choral Institute
VIRTUAL UPDATE As Seraphic Fire has pivoted toward virtual presentations, so have we moved in the same direction with the Youth Initiative. Our first priority has been getting our Choral Education Residency program running in our two partner schools, Fulford Elementary and Dr. E. L. Whigham Elementary. We are so fortunate to have Marilia Kamil, a doctoral candidate from Frost School of Music, working with the music specialists from both of these schools.
Your membership will financially support Seraphic Fire’s music education programs for the next generation of artists and music lovers. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
• Dedicated listing in Seraphic Fire Magazine • Invitation to specially-curated education concerts • Invitation to initial University of Miami student composition workshops • Access to education workshops • Invitation to a post-concert reception MASTER LEVEL: $6,000 ($1,200/year or $100/ month over 5 years) *Members at this level receive a unique GenS pin EDUCATOR LEVEL: $900 ($75/month) TEACHER LEVEL: $600 ($50/month) INSTRUCTOR LEVEL: $300 ($25/month) TUTOR LEVEL: $120 ($10/month)
Join now! SeraphicFire.org/Donate 305.285.9060 For more information, contact Rhett Del Campo at Rhett@SeraphicFire.org
In-school workshops for our eight partner schools are moving forward, just in virtual formats. Quartets, made up of Seraphic Fire professional artists, are currently working on creating three multimedia presentations since they are not able to present these workshops in person. It is our hope that the new, adapted format will become the core of a product that we can eventually offer to other schools throughout the country. As with all arts groups, the Seraphic Fire Youth Initiative is changing the way we meet and enhance the needs of the students that we have customarily met face to face. We anxiously await our in-person presentations but for now are appreciative of this outlet. Your continued support is invaluable to our success.
EDUCATION HIGHLIGHT MARILIA KAMIL Marilia Kamil is a Ph.D. candidate in music education at University of Miami Frost School of Music. A vocalist, conductor, and flutist, Ms. Kamil has over 10 years of experience teaching music to K-12 students, most recently as a middle school chorus and general music teacher in San Jose, California. Ms. Kamil completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Music Education at Columbia University Teachers College. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Ms. Kamil has international teaching experience at elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels. As a scholar, Ms. Kamil has studied music therapy, music and autism, and Brazilian educational policy and has been published in the International Journal of Music Education. SEASON S
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BLENDING TRADITIONS
Personal Experiences Inspire Alvaro Bermudez’s New Work
“My gut-string guitar is a Miamimade instrument; one of the loudest I have ever heard. It’s like Robert Redford’s bat in The Natural. It has a huge sound with no fear of being drowned out by operatic voices.”
Alvaro Bermudez
2019 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation New Work Award Winner 22
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Those of you who are long-time Seraphic Fire lovers will recognize the name Alvaro Bermudez. Not only has Al produced numerous commissioned works for our company over the years, but he and his wife, Misty, were instrumental in the creation of Seraphic Fire back in 2002. Living in South Florida, they saw a void in the opportunities for music lovers to see and hear professional performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. Al, who sings bass, his mezzo-soprano wife, and their conductor and friend Patrick Quigley devised a solution: recruiting a high-level group of singers from which Seraphic Fire was born. Fast forward almost two decades later to 2019. The Knight Foundation New Work Award provides a unique opportunity for the commission of a new work and yet another partnership between Alvaro Bermudez and Seraphic Fire. Al is a true Renaissance man—a great teacher, phenomenal guitar player, and an excellent composer who has a keen relationship with text. This new composition entwines personal and emotional intricacies with Colombian folk flavors using native prose and the creation of harmonic text pictures. The following interviews with Al Bermudez and Patrick Quigley give a greater insight into the development of the award-winning Danzas del Silencio.
Q: What was the theme presented to the Knight Foundation and the inspiration behind the composition? PDQ: I asked Al to reach as deep as possible into his experiences both personally and artistically and write music that represents both him and his Colombian/American culture. He does not just compose music randomly; his pieces are written for the personalities in his life. The death of his father was an emotional turning point, and Al has infused that raw emotion into a very touching composition. AB: Patrick had asked me to capture the roots-y feeling of the folk music from my father’s homeland. I wanted to write the music to sound like it was created by a Colombian composer somewhere between 1930 to 1950, which represents a key time in my dad’s life. He was born in a small Colombian town on a street called Silence Alley, hence the name of my composition: Danzas del Silencio. This music reflects mourning about the loving father that I lost. The listener will clearly hear loss, longing, and love in the various melodies. Q: Once the theme was approved by Knight Foundation, how did you move forward with creating the music? AB: I like to write my music based on text. I don’t make words succumb to music. There are images within texts and that helps me see what to write. It’s like an actor delivering a monologue. Although I wanted the music to emulate that of the 1940s, I was not interested in using the stilted poems from that era because they sounded like they originated in Spain. I was lucky that one of my music students with a South American heritage had a great uncle who was a published poet. I was honored to have been gifted a portfolio of his prose and found three works that really suited my purposes for this commission. Q: Describe what we can expect to hear during the performance of Danzas del Silencio. AB: Just like Bach would write a suite—several pieces, all with new melodic material—I have three different ‘dances,’ totaling about 11 minutes. The first movement is medium tempo, and the second is very slow. My music is very natural; I don’t mentally challenge the listener
by grating on their ear. I want people to fixate on the melodies. The combination of the guitar and voice creates an undeniably rich texture, and the voice can shine more being accompanied by the guitar. The gutstring guitar is intimate, rustic, and really one more component of the tapestry of voices; it’s not just playing along. PDQ: Seraphic Fire’s performance will feature Al on the guitar plus the chorus. Al has a remarkable ability to play classical guitar and also is a talented jazz composer. He has written beautiful music for us over the years; pieces that are harmonically adventurous and that contribute to the flavor and taste level of the ensemble. Al won the award for this new work for 2019, and it was supposed to be performed earlier this spring, but the coronavirus interfered with that plan. Our goal is now to pursue the release of this new work in the late spring of 2021. Q: Now that the debut of this composition is later than expected due to COVID-19, do you foresee any significant changes in the music you will present? AB: I am making some rewrites to incorporate the present mood and the environment we all live in. Plus, I am not the same person who wrote this 18 months ago so the music needs to evolve. There are already some pretty melancholy sections in the original. Currently, the last movement addresses the chance we all experience in this world and our ‘lightness’ in the wind—the will of fate. The ending is currently more of a bustle, a commentary on how fickle life can be. I believe it is an exciting piece of music that is timely already, but now feel that it’s important for me to add a slightly bigger bang. Q: How has Knight Foundation impacted Seraphic Fire? PDQ: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has given numerous grants to foster increased artistic creativity in the Miami area. They have been incredibly generous to Seraphic Fire over the years including the seed money for our education program and the commissioning of numerous new works for us. We would not be the organization we are today without their early and continuing support. They are dear and stalwart patrons, and our listeners are the ultimate beneficiaries.
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REOPENING PLAN
When Seraphic Fire found itself under the full weight of the pandemic in March 2020, Finance and Operations Manager Eric Rubio was tasked with monitoring the various layers of government-imposed emergency orders and regulations to ensure organizational compliance. Toward the end of the summer, with the alternative format of Season S in production, the Board and staff turned to the natural next step of determining how best to reopen and resume inperson vocal music performances.
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Information on “New Normal Guidelines” from Miami-Dade County, gathered with the assistance of staff in the office of County Commissioner Eileen Higgins (in whose district sits Seraphic Fire’s administrative offices and our Miami performance venues) as well as Michael Spring, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, informed the development of the Reopening Plan. In addition to the various rules and regulations imposed by local government, Seraphic Fire also needed to consider that its artists live all over the country —resuming normal artistic activities requires artists to travel to Miami. Seraphic Fire also partners with churches and other venues for rehearsal and performance spaces in Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, and Palm Beach counties. Government regulations for all of those regions and types of facilities were reviewed. Eric wrote an initial draft with key input from Artistic Operations Manager Alexis Aimé. Following thorough review by the staff, Board, and the COVID-19 Task Force, and on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors voted to approve the Reopening Plan at their regular meeting in October 2020. The Reopening Plan is in three phases. Each phase requires certain minimum internal conditions (ability to procure protective equipment and supplies) as well as external conditions (gathering sizes allowed under government restrictions, maximum CDC-reported infection rate metrics). At their regular monthly meetings, the Executive Committee considers whether to recommend proceeding to each phase. A minimum three-month lead time is required so that the administration has sufficient time to book venues and make artist travel arrangements.
SERAPHIC FIRE REOPENING PLAN PHASE I
PHASE II
PHASE III
THROUGH SUMMER 2021
FALL 2021
SPRING 2022
MODIFIED Artistic Production
STANDARD Artistic Production
MODIFIED Patron Experience
MODIFIED Patron Experience
(e.g., remote recording)
(e.g., multimedia presentations)
(in-person in Miami)
STANDARD Artistic Production STANDARD Patron Experience
(limited audience w/ streaming option)
Each phase has details of the ways different areas of Seraphic Fire’s concert operations will be modified: artistic personnel, administrative personnel, audience amenities, and venue usage. Even in Phase III, when both the artistic product and the patron experience are back to their standard form, certain modifications will remain for the remainder of the pandemic, and many positive operational changes around cleanliness will remain permanently to ensure a healthy performance environment. The organization’s goal is to return to providing the great artistic experiences that our South Florida communities love and long for, and to do so safely and with care and concern for the well-being of all stakeholders and constituents. The second half of our mantra for Season S, Ars Longa – “Art is Long” – holds true in our Reopening Plan. The art will be with us through this Season S, and into the future as we reopen and regather to celebrate.
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ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2017-18 (Season 16) $1,557 2018-19 (Season 17) $1,665 2019-20 (Season 18) $1,800*
EDUCATION PROGRAMS 2017-18 $49
(3%)
2018-19 $51 2019-20 $85
(3%) (5%)*
ARTISTIC PROGRAMS 2017-18 $604 2018-19 $670 2019-20 $897
(39%) (40%) (49%)*
INDIVIDUAL GIVING 2017-18 $758 2018-19 $778 2019-20 $872
ENDOWMENT & RESERVES Balance of Funds at May 31 in year indicated 2017-18 $665 $34 2018-19 $688 $56 2019-20 $692 $142 Endowment Cash Reserves *Last projected expenditures before COVID-19 outbreak. All dollar amounts in thousands.
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IMPACT OF COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant financial impact on Seraphic Fire.
TICKET SALES:
The other major portion of our earned revenue is contract services – fees from tour performances and the Professional Choral Institute.
TOUR REVENUE:
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
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$364,000 $349,000 $363,000 $85,000 (projected)
$132,000 $219,000 $64,000 (fewer scheduled tours) $0
Despite these losses, Seraphic Fire remains financially strong thanks to nearly $174,000 in emergency relief funding made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, as distributed through various agencies and government partners at the federal, state, and local level. These funds, and the expenses they covered, include:
AGENCY AND PROGRAM
AMOUNT OF FUNDS RECEIVED
EXPENSES COVERED
Small Business Administration, Paycheck Protection Program
$106,000
Administrative salaries
$56,250
Administrative salaries, office space, and venue rental
Miami Foundation and MiamiDade County Department of Public Housing and Community Development, Nonprofit Support Grants Program
$9,426
Recording, engineering, and equipment expenses for Season S
State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs (with support of the National Endowment for the Arts)
$2,032
Office rent
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami-Dade Arts Support Grants Program
Seraphic Fire is especially grateful for the support of City National Bank of Florida in securing the Paycheck Protection Program funds.
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! u o Y k Than Thank you to our funders who have provided Seraphic Fire with additional emergency relief funds and to our patrons who have generously donated back unused tickets for canceled programs. Your support of the arts during an unprecedentedly difficult moment has been inspiring.
We could not do this without you.
Thank you to our patrons who donated nearly $40,000 in tickets. Emergency relief funds were made possible with the support of The Miami Foundation, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Public Housing and Community Development; and with the support of The Kirk Foundation. Emergency relief was sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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SOUTH FLORIDA’S GRAMMY® NOMINATED VOCAL ENSEMBLE
SERAPHIC SATURDAY PODCAST Launched in May 2020, Seraphic Saturday is a monthly podcast designed to be a musically informative and entertaining way to engage with Seraphic Fire beyond the concert hall. Hit play and enjoy the witty cast of Seraphic Fire’s artistic company and special guests as they dive into a smart and frank discussion of classical music.
AVAILABLE ON THE SERAPHIC FIRE BLOG OR ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST STREAMING SERVICE
SeraphicFire.org/Blog 29
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OUR DONORS FOR DONATIONS BETWEEN JANUARY 2019 & NOVEMBER 2020 LEGACY SOCIETY Anonymous Thomas Boyd & Donald Hill Dr. Clinton Bush William Jaume Patti & Dennis Klein Marilyn A. Moore Dr. Audrey Ross Ruth† & Marvin† Sackner David L. Webb & W. Lynn McLaughlin Cliff Whittle & Scott Cumming FOUNDERS CIRCLE $50,000 + Anonymous The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Bruce & Martha Clinton, The Clinton Family Fund § Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation§ The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation William Jaume§ Frank & Carolyn Pichardo NATIONAL SPONSOR $20,000 - $49,999 Anonymous Thomas C. Boyd § Robert R. Brinker & Nancy S. Fleischman Broward County Cultural Division Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation Michael & Cheryl Del Campo § Rhett M. Del Campo § State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Hutson-Wiley Echevarria Foundation § McInerney Family Foundation Miami-Dade County Youth Arts Enrichment Program Patrick Dupré Quigley & Robert Andrew Peccola
P.L. Dodge Foundation Quest Foundation John Quaintance & Robert Riggs § Karl & Susan Shell § Sara Solomon David L. Webb & W. Lynn McLaughlin § WLRN Public Radio 91.3 FM MAESTRO CIRCLE $5,000 - $9,999 Nirupa Chaudhari & Steve Roper § The City of Coral Gables Harry F. Duncan Foundation, Inc. § Dr. Ken Easterling & Diego Cardenas P.R. Farnsworth & J.C. Gill Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz § Susan & Richard Goldman Martha Ann Haas & Pamela Poulos Diana Hammerstein Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Kutler § Joe & Suzy Lacher § Mark Mandel & Allan Yudacufski § Charles L. Marshall, Jr. & Richard L. Tooke Marilyn A. Moore Peacock Foundation Margaret A. Rolando Marvin Sackner† Leonard Smith The Stonesifer Kinsley Family Fund Adelheid & Bruce Stryker Jeri L. Wolfson Foundation
SPONSOR $2,500 - $4,999 William A. Bonn & Ruben A. Ceballos A. Peter Burleigh George Chesney & Sue Fiorey Coral Gables Community Foundation Mr. Richard DiRenzo & Rev. Charles Humphries § Lawrence & Suzanne Fishman Beau Genovesse & Tom Cabelka Jim & Billie Hairston Dr. Marilyn & Dr. Bernard Horowitz Dr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Jannach Mr. & Mrs. George Knapp UNDERWRITER The James G. Pepper Fund of the $10,000 - $19,999 Stonewall Community Foundation Alicia Celorio, Do Unto Others Trust, Inc. Jose Luis Pere & Trae Williamson Peter & Audrey Pinney Martha R. Davis & Alix Ritchie Nicholas J. Pisaris Funding Arts Broward Diane Rahman Funding Arts Network Luis Ramirez & Kimberly Thompson The Kirk Foundation Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Inc. Dr. William R. & Susan Kelley Roy Robert & Theresa Rust Ana & Raul Marmol § Frank & Susan Salinger The City of Miami Beach Cultural Cultural Initiative Affairs Program Daniel & Ileana Sayre Miami-Dade County J.J. Schmidt Tourist Development Council Sophia Sieczkowski National Endowment for the Arts 30
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Murry Stegelmann Dr. & Mrs. Michael Troner Barbara & Mel Vanderbrug Nina Webber PATRON $1,000 - $2,499 Marcelo & Betty Alvarez Dr. & Mrs. Ronnie Arad Diane Ashley § Edward & Elizabeth Baker Helene Berger Margrit & Roger Bernstein Kristina Bettendorf Justin Blackwell Bruce Bolton Drs. Blaine Branchik & Christopher Rudman Robert Braunstein § Dr. Clinton Bush Citizens Interested in the Arts Marilyn M. Connolly Mary Conroy Michael Cormier & Steven Carlin* in honor of Bill Jaume Andrew Crane Robert Crane & Shirley Muñoz § Gerhard Dahl Adrienne DiPrima & Donna Smorchoke Dick & Marcy Dupere Enterprise Holdings John & Maria Farrey § Mr. & Mrs. Jack Firestone Suzanne Floyd § David Foerster* Mary Beth & Gerardo Garcia § William Gerrard† Joan Glade de Pontet Taffy Gould Alfredo & Luz Maria Gutierrez Donald Hill Neill Hirst Dr. Jeffrey Horstmyer & Prof. Tillie Fox Dr. Bruce Jackson in honor of Kathryn Mueller Dr. Fred Jonas § Evan Jones Carin Kahgan in memory of Marc Kahgan Linda Heller Kamm Joan Kasner Donald Keith* Gloria Kline Daniel Lewis George Lindemann Richard Mahfood Alberto & Maggie Manrara Dr. John Martin Dr. Leila Morris Betsy & Art Murphy Kathleen Newell Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal John Newton & Mowry Spencer
Harvey Padden Michael & Mary Ellen Peyton William A. Purdy & John M. Carter Bill & Debbie Quigley Andrea Lynne Rice Morton† & Jane Robinson Dr. Audrey Ross & Dr. William W. Culbertson IV Peter Rutenberg § Sara Sackner & Andrew Behar in memory of Marvin Sackner Maeve Anne Sandiford Len & Louise Schaper David Schrock John & Joanne Schulte § Charles† & Sandra Simon Alice & Joe Smith Arturo Steely Paul & Lynne Steinfurth Erling T. Thoresen Jana & Tom Tift Mark Trowbridge Betty Vandenbosch Rick Vaughan & Walter Sherman M. Therese Vento & Peter M. MacNamara Adrian Villaraos Teresa Galang-Viñas & Joaquín Viñas Dr. Robert Warren Ted Wolf & Frank Decolator in honor of Edith Wolf Jane Worley § Maria José Wright SUSTAINER $500 - $999 Anonymous Alfred Arbogast † Alberto Arias & David Wood Kinnard Michael & Sheila Berke Sylvia Blau* Richard Buffett* in honor of John Buffett Maurice & Ruth Burg Katie Conley & Jim Glick John & Gina Despres Augie Diaz James Doan & Jim Blizzard Peter & Bonnie Dockter Dr. Brian Dunn Rev. Priscilla Felisky-Whitehead § K. Lawrence & Maureen Gragg Laura Green & Steven Christianson Doug Hagerman* Frank & Roberta Helsom Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Hennessey Michael Hughes Nancy & James Katzoff Suzanne & Brian Keeley in memory of Marvin Sackner Lyza Latham Dr. & Mrs. Richard Lung Pauline Menier
Sandra Mullen Elizabeth Newman & John Tillson Antoinette & Vince Pelc* Bernard Perron Victoria Rogers Charles Sacher Ted & Margaret Sarafoglu Jim Sirbaugh Darrin Stafford* Lou Strennen Szilagyi Family Foundation Jeanann Testyon Jason Wynn* in memory of Marvin Sackner Gregg Zavodny* DONOR $250 - $499 Anonymous (2) Marj Adler Manuel Almenara* Matthew Anderson § Jo Anne & Michael Bander* Alvaro & Misty Bermudez* Carol Boyd James Branegan* in honor of Kathryn Mueller James F. Carlton Kay Casstevens* Tom Condon & Arthur Rubenstein* in honor of John Quaintance & Robert Riggs Roberta David Mary Sue Donohue Randall Fotiu & Josephine Wojtowicz Todd Friedman* Argelio & Sylvia Garcia Ulrich Lachler & Nancy Gillespie Janus & Pedro Greer Ingrid Griffin Thomas & Diana Hooton Maria Jasin & Joanne Jasin Enrique & Monica Lopez Stephen Magliocco & Michael Carroll* John Marson & Alan Wioskowski† Linda Morgan William Murphy John & Janet Preston Veronika Rabitsch Aura Reinhardt Michael Rigsby* Brenda Richey Isabelle & Ricardo Roman Eric J. Rubio* Donald & Jeannett Slesnick* Paul Smith & Michael Dennis Jeremy & Marjorie Tabak* Kristian Toimil Ellen & Robert Vignola Adam Wanner Robin Woodard
Gigi Wright* in memory of Marvin Sackner Doug & Margaret Yoder Friend $100 - $249 Anonymous Nancy Ameglio Cathryn Anderson* Claire Angelozzi Lisa August* in memory of Joyce Kaiser Steven Austin* Isa Barzana* Betsy Beardsley Christopher & Sally Beaton Michael Beck* Rochelle Beck § Robert E. Bickers Linda Binder* James Bernhardt* Geoffrey & Mary Bloom David Briggs Donald Edwin Broaddus & Jack Huizenga† Barbara Ann Brown Charles Buckwalter† & Vincent Lombardi Robert Bryant Alvin & Lynn Bunis* Laura Calzolari Joanne Cann § Erich Cauller John & Rebecca Cavanaugh Candace Childrey* Julie & Terence Connor Lane Convey Noble Cook* William Cranshaw Mr. & Mrs. James Crosland John Cruickshank* Nellie Cummins & Rebecca Beavers* Nancy Cylke* Martha N. Dare Mary Davidson* Suzanne Delehanty* in memory of Marvin Sackner Pascale Denis Jane & Andrew Dolkart Sarah Doss § Janette Engelhardt Todd Estabrook § Alexis Eyler Stephen Felsen* Rev. James Fetscher Carol Fifield Sebastian Fiore Helen Franklin Dr. & Mrs. Rudolph Frei Shawnee Fross in memory of Lisa Schlueter Michael & Pat Garffer
Jim Gensel Michael George Margaret Gibson in honor of Kathryn Mueller John Giganti Marcia Gill Drs. Joan & Paul Gluck § Thomas & Paulette Goetz Ron & Joanne Goldfarb Deborah & Lee Goldring Rosina & Cosme Gomez in honor of Kathryn Mueller Gregory & Shelagh Gunder* in honor of Kathryn Mueller Suzanne Gunzburger Joe Herko & Carol Esser Jim Herron & Sara Czaja Dr. Edwin Hill Lawrence Jackson Christian & Wendy Johannsen* Barry Johnston* Federico R. Justiniani Carole & Sam Karsch* in memory of Marvin Sackner Marlyn Kefauver Eva Landy* Gerald Laskey* Lorenzo Lebrija Lee Lennon Richard Lilley & Carmen Letelier Gregory Lindeblom & Michael Stiles Bobbi & Richard Litt William Lord Frank V. MacBride Jr. §* Nancy MacColl Ronald MacDonald* J. Fred & Joy Malakoff* in memory of Marvin Sackner Joanne Martin* Finlay & Joan Matheson Fred & Susan Mattes David McFerrin* Ulrich & Carole Merten Flora Metrick* Patrick Metz* Daniel & Nadine Moore Randall Moore* Kathleen Moorman Kate Morilla Frank Moschiano Joan & Tim Mueller* in honor of Kathryn Mueller Phillis Oeters* Diana Ohman* Kate O’Mara Clara Osowski Carter Parsley* Larry & Janet Peterson* Patricia Phares* Mark Pratt* Sandra Reynolds Jeanne Ann & Charles† Rigl Virginia Rosen Bronwen Rutter
Cathy Sacasas Arlene Salomon* Charles Sands* in memory of Joyce Kaiser Joan Schaeffer* in memory of Joyce Kaiser Ellie & Bernie Schinder Hugh Schmidt* Kathryn Shepard & Jack Mervine* Harry Sheski* in honor of Kathryn Mueller Barbara Singer § Robert Smith Sharon Smith Bill & Jean Soman* in memory of Joyce Kaiser Martin Sonkin* John Sowell Peggy Stanley Carol Stanfill* Harry Stigall Milana Strezava* Teri Thompson & Thomas Crowder § Dan Topp & David Cole Jennie Tracey* Lyndall Urquhart Christine Wahlquist § Jocelyn Watkins* Michael & Ruth Wiegand Paul Woehrle Nadja Zubrik* * new donor † deceased § GenS Society
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2020-21 VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER ROSTER Seraphic Fire’s volunteers are an indispensable part of our organizational success. Volunteers create a warm, welcoming environment for our patrons by answering questions and assisting with programs, ticketing, and seating during concerts. Ellen Anderson Jane Andersen Glenda Carr Eugene Donaldson Bruce Dory Helen Franklin Joan and Paul Gluck Miguel Gonzalez Natalie Gonzalez Sue Groskreutz
Elisa Halliley Jill Harrington Carol Lang Nellie Lopez Susan Mattes Lucia Minervini Heather Osowiecki Karen Picciano David Piriano Anita Platt
Cecilia Rodriguez Chris Rudd Eric Runyan Kurt Schubert Barbara Soliday John Soliday Vera Stein Kristian Toimil
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT BARBARA AND JOHN SOLIDAY
A SPECIAL GOODBYE
We sing in the Coral Gables First United Methodist Church choir and when we learned that Seraphic Fire had made their home at our church, we immediately stepped in to assist as hosts for their first concert in our sanctuary. We have rarely missed a concert since. We have been joined, year after year, by a delightful group of enthusiastic volunteers who are also music connoisseurs, devoted to making sure the choir’s hundreds of patrons and fans have an unforgettable experience. These volunteers, along with the irreplaceable Patrick Dupré Quigley and Joanne Schulte, and Seraphic Fire’s exceptionally friendly board, patrons, staff and world-class musicians have continued to be dear friends.
EUGENE DONALDSON Seraphic Fire staff were saddened to learn of the passing of Eugene Donaldson in February 2021. Eugene served many years as one of our most dedicated volunteer ushers. Staff member Eric Rubio reflected: “Eugene was a regular presence at our venues across Miami-Dade County. If we found ourselves short-staffed even the afternoon before a concert, Eugene would make himself available that evening. One of the last messages I received from him, last fall, was a promise to make himself available once we resumed our in-person concerts. He loved all the music Seraphic Fire performed, and we will miss him in our audiences.” 32
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Our teaching and administrative positions at the University of Miami involve travel across the US and Europe. We attend concerts in Europe’s great cathedrals, palaces, opera houses, concert halls, and theatres: from Moscow to Budapest to Prague to Berlin to Munich to Paris to London; Amsterdam to Vienna to Salzburg to Venice to Florence to Rome. We have never experienced another musical group that matches the goose-bump magical sounds of Seraphic Fire performing in Miami. The high point of our diverse, international, musical world continues to be Miami’s dazzling Seraphic Fire. Being there for the musicians, staff, board, patrons, subscribers, new or returning guests has become one of our most rewarding contributions to the local artistic scene.
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To learn about how your organization can support WLRN call Brendan Glynn at 305.350.7978
2020-21 ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Thomas C. Boyd, Chair Joanne N. Schulte, Founding Chair Robert “Bob” Brinker, Treasurer Diane Ashley, Secretary William Jaume, Vice Chair Mark Trowbridge, Vice Chair Matthew Anderson Daniel Copher Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz Karen Fuller Frank MacBride Ana Marmol Daniel Perron Carolyn Pichardo Claudia Polzin Margaret “Peggy” Rolando Adele Valencia Adrian Villaraos Edmundo Pérez-de Cobos, Director Emeritus Patrick Dupré Quigley, Artistic Director, ex-officio Rhett M. Del Campo, Executive Director, ex-officio Douglas Dodson, Artist Representative, ex-officio Molly Quinn, Artist Representative, ex-officio
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
As we look forward to the launch of our 2021-22 Season, we are optimistic that Seraphic Fire will be able to resume normal concert activities as early as November 2021 based on discussions with our COVID-19 Task Force. We cannot wait to bring you great choral works once again, live and in the venues you love. Our planning for next season will be helped tremendously by the early purchase of subscriptions. By subscribing before May 31, you give us the confidence we need to make advanced commitments to our artists and venues that are vital to producing a high-quality concert experience. Through your gifts and ticket purchases, you help make great art possible—for your own fulfillment and also for the enjoyment of those who might otherwise miss out on one of life’s greatest pleasures. Thank you for your commitment to the arts. Your unwavering support shows that you understand how inspiring, collaborative music can promote and enhance our diverse communities.
Rhett M. Del Campo Executive Director
Finance & Operations Eric J. Rubio, Finance & Operations Manager Artistic Administration Alexis Aimé, Artistic Operations Manager Development Melinda DeDominicis, Patron Services Manager Lauren Schiffer, Grants Manager Marketing Laura Shand, Marketing Manager Lauren Schiffer, Marketing Associate Education Suzanne Floyd, Education Director
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WITHOUT WHOM... Seraphic Fire programs would not be possible without the generous support of
Naples performances made possible by the Jeri L. Wolfson Foundation & Charles L. Marshall, Jr. and Richard L. Tooke
SeraphicFire.org • 305.285.9060 • 2153 Coral Way, Suite 401, Miami, FL 33145