Q&A with the Executive Director

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 .

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.