When you hear the story of Sons of Serendip and how they came to be, you understand that their name is a fitting tribute to the serendipitous way the group was formed. Talking to Micah Christian, lead vocalist of the quartet, it is difficult not to smile. His smile and bright disposition are infectious.

“We all met at Boston University, while we were in graduate school,” says Christian. “We all played an instrument and started to get together just to play. We had an instant connection.”

“I saw something about auditions for America’s Got Talent. I thought it would be fun for us to do. What did we have to lose? So, we made an audition tape,” continues Christian.

The group was informed that they would be on the ninth season of the show. They started getting together in the evenings to rehearse, all while doing their regular jobs during the day.

Christian was teaching. Kendall Ramseur, cellist, was working on a solo career and teaching music. Mason Morton, harpist, was teaching middle school. And, Cordaro Rodriguez, pianist, was a lawyer.

“We didn’t know what to expect, so we just rehearsed to be as prepared as we could,” says Christian.

This group of friends, who were not a formal band before auditioning for AGT, became finalists on the show, connecting with a whole community of other performers. Their fresh string-centric approach to arrangements of popular songs gained attention and loyal fans.

Since being on AGT in 2014, the ensemble has pursued a music career with tours and albums. They just recently finished their fourth album, Mosaic, filled with 14 songs that were composed and arranged in the midst of the pandemic.

“We used the time to tap into our passions and other creative outlets,” says Christian. “We are now excited to get back on the road with our holiday tour.”

A Sons of Serendip holiday show is something pretty special to experience.

“We create a moment of sharing, creating a space together,” says Christian. “We perform songs that people already know and love with our creative spin on them. It will be like hearing them again for the first time.”

Woven in with the music are personal stories – some humorous, some touching. They also do a Q & A with the audience to connect and hear what is on hearts and minds. During the performance, audience members will also have the chance to put an ornament on a tree, in honor of someone else.

“It is a time to connect, reflect and share a moment filled with music,” says Christian. “It is what the holiday season is all about.”

The velvety vocals and soothing strings of Sons of Serendip are coming to Chandler Center for the Arts on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, $32 - $44, online at chandercenter.org or by calling the box office at 480-782-2680.  

Take a listen to the podcast that features an interview with Micah Christian on our segment called, Backstage at the Center. LISTEN