South Florida Classical Review

Jason Max Ferdinand led Seraphic Fire in a concert of spirituals Friday night in Coral Gables.

The sound of Gospel music resounded through the sanctuary at the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables on Friday night as Seraphic Fire presented a festive program, just in time for Martin Luther King’s birthday.

The deep artistic sensibility of the arrangements and the patrician musicianship of the choir marked this presentation, its musical sophistication closer to the concert hall than the church. Still, there was no absence of joy in the evening’s music making.

Jason Max Ferdinand, director of choral activities at the University of Maryland and leader of the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, was the concert’s exceptional guest conductor. There was something special in the singing he drew from the 13-voice choir—harmonious, expertly balanced and with a variety of dynamics that ranged from whispered pianissimos to full-throttle climaxes that raised the roof. The corporate gleam and body that Ferdinand achieved was different than the sound of the choir under artistic director Patrick Quigley or artistic director designate James K. Bass, all of which was fitting for this unique offering.

“Journeys” by British composer Ken Burton opened the evening with a pop sensibility. The female voices soared over the top of the ensemble to striking effect. Michele Kennedy’s soulful soprano and Charles Evans’ strong baritone captured the reverence of the iconic standard “Amazing Grace.” A “Praise Medley,” in Paul Johnson’s arrangement, emerged serene and calming, with the beauty of the altos’ vocalism especially distinguished. Amanda Crider’s solo was first among equals.

Brandon Waddles’ snappy arrangement of “Ride in the Chariot” benefited from crisp articulation and the virile tenor voices of David Pelino and Matthew Hill. Alexandra Colazzi, a faculty member at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, shed her operatic mezzo for downhome fervor in “O Happy Day.” With a choir member adding a percussive tambourine to the vociferous rendition, the familiar standard took on the aura of a revival meeting. “Today” by James Mulholland proved a soaring anthem, sung with virile strength.

The premiere of Sacred Choral Mosaic I by Alabama-based singer-songwriter John Stoddart brought a contrasting, skillfully conceived, four-part song cycle. “With Joyful Song” radiated lively syncopation. A touch of the blues and spirituals pervaded “It’s Only Trouble.” “Only You Can” was a gentle and timely plea for peace and healing. “On the Other Side,” a rousing, uptempo creation, found the singers swaying back and forth, their animated response as lively as their ensemble singing. Stoddart is an inspired melodist and his work is a fine addition to the contemporary sacred choral literature.

The choir members let their hair down for a rollicking version of “I Ain’t Got Long to be Here,” clearly enjoying themselves  just as much as the audience. “I Hear the Drum” by Cedric Dent was a flowing, eloquent call to fight for justice. Chelsea Helm’s silvery soprano timbre floated over the choir in Thomas A. Dorsey’s “Precious Lord,” one of the great American gospel compositions, which was rendered with classical restraint. The familiar strains of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” took on a new sheen in Darin Atwater’s sophisticated, elegant arrangement which emphasized reverie over wild abandon. The singers responded with exquisite and tasteful vocal styling.

Pianist Lester Green, Jr. was the evening’s true hero. Russel Paul, the originally scheduled accompanist, was injured in an auto accident. Green, a faculty member at Morgan University and voice coach at the University of Maryland and Peabody Institute, substituted at short notice. His playing was consistently supple and subtly contoured, coordinating and blending with the singers expertly. Throughout the concert, the large audience responded with enthusiasm and cheers. This was one of those evenings when pure enjoyment reigned.

Seraphic Fire repeats the program 7:30 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale and 4 p.m. Sunday at Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples. seraphicfire.org

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