American Poets

American poetry, speeches and literary texts become the foundation for an a cappella choral program marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. American Poets takes place Sunday, March 21, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Coconut Grove. Conducted by James K. Bass, the Seraphic Fire program reflects on the ideals, conflicts and cultural voices that have shaped the American story. The concert features musical settings of texts by writers and public figures commemorated in the National Garden of American Heroes, including Emily Dickinson, Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Frost, Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain and Martin Luther King Jr. Through unaccompanied choral works, the program places poetry, oratory and ensemble singing in conversation. 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.