Seraphic Fire

Announcement: Seraphic Fire presents His Eye is on the Sparrow

MIAMI, FL – OCT 25, 2010 – Epiphanies can strike at any time – from Archimedes’ bathtub “eureka” moment to Hemingway’s barroom introduction to the combo of lime, mint and rum. For artistic director Patrick Quigley, the epiphany for Seraphic Fire’s upcoming series, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” arrived unexpectedly at the keyboard…and in front of a live audience. Accompanying countertenor Reginald Mobley on the gospel barnburner of the same title, the conductor realized the spirited lines “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free” were a perfect launch point for a kind of musical autobiography of the choir’s vocalists.

Following his revelation, Quigley asked the members of Seraphic Fire to send him the three songs most influential in their budding, pre-teen careers, compiling them to form November’s program. Having graduated from sophisticated conservatories, one might guess that these singers would name “the lieder of Schubert” or “the arias of Puccini” as the early catalysts propelling them into music. These are children of the 1980′s not the 1880′s, though, and the name “Cyndi Lauper” made it onto just as many lists as that of “Rogers & Hammerstein.” As a result, the crimson-and-canary-haired pop songstress’ “True Colors” will feature prominently on a fantastically eccentric program of gospel, Broadway, torch-song, and pop favorites as chosen by the choir and arranged by Quigley.

Given Seraphic Fire’s tradition of greeting concertgoers immediately after its frequently sold-out performances, the southern Florida audience already knows more about these musicians individually than one might expect. It’s likely, though, that choirmaster James Bass’ irresistible affection for the gospel hymn “Softly and Tenderly” (by way of the film “Trip to Bountiful”) or soprano Gabrielle Tinto’s not-so-secret childhood dream of becoming Julie Andrews (due in large part to “The Sound of Music”) may be just the unexpected discoveries tucked within this must-see musical portrait.

Tickets are $35 and available at www.SeraphicFire.org or by phone at 888-544-FIRE. Continuing its effort to rach new audiences, Seraphic Fire will once again make FREE tickets available to audience members who are 30 or under (but over 8, please) ten minutes before each performance as long as tickets remain. A limited number of under 30 tickets are available in advance online at www.SeraphicFire.org and using code U30 (ID will need to be presented to pick up tickets on concert day).

The program will be performed at the following venues:

Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 7:30pm

San Pablo Catholic Church

550 122nd Street, Oceanside – Mile Marker 53.5

Marathon, FL 33050

Thursday, November 4, 2010, 7:30pm
St. Christopher’s by-the-Sea
95 Harbor Drive
Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Friday, November 5, 2010, 7:30pm
First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables
536 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134

Saturday, November 6, 2010, 8:00pm
All Saints Episcopal Church
333 Tarpon Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Sunday, November 7, 2010, 4:00pm
Miami Beach Community Church
1620 Drexel Avenue (entrance on Lincoln Road)
Miami Beach, FL 3313