Misa Criolla

Latin American choral traditions, folk rhythms and sacred music shape Seraphic Fire’s season-closing program at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brickell. Misa Criolla takes place Thursday, April 8, conducted by James K. Bass. The concert centers on Ariel Ramírez’s landmark setting of the Mass, performed with choir, guitar and percussion.

Ramírez’s Misa Criolla blends traditional liturgical text with Argentine folk styles, using rhythmic energy and regional instrumentation to create one of the best-known choral works from Latin America. The program also includes music by Miami composers Álvaro Bermúdez and Sydney Guillaume, expanding the concert’s focus to contemporary choral writing connected to the musical traditions of Argentina, Colombia and Haiti.

Founded in South Florida in 2002, Seraphic Fire is a Grammy-nominated professional vocal ensemble with a national touring and recording history. The group has released 16 full-length albums, including Grammy-nominated recordings of A Seraphic Fire Christmas and Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem, and continues to support vocal music education through youth, collegiate and professional training initiatives.