Billboard charting classical-crossover quartet, Sons of Serendip, won the hearts of fans and judges alike as finalists on America's Got Talent (NBC) with their ethereal and emotionally stirring interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals, harp, piano, and cello.

With four successful albums (Sons of Serendip, Christmas: Beyond the Lights, Life + Love, and Mosaic) and soulful live performances, Sons of Serendip has lifted audiences both nationally and internationally. Their most notable performances include collaborations with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Cynthia Erivo, as well as a performance for the Creative Arts Emmy Awards (FXX). In 2019, Sons of Serendip returned to the America’s Got Talent stage, as they were selected to compete in the first ever America’s Got Talent: The Champions. The quartet competed alongside 50 of the winners and finalists from America's Got Talent and Got Talent’s worldwide. In 2020, the group performed for Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 Vision Tour’s closing celebration in Denver, CO, and most recently in 2022, they were invited to be one of the artists representing the United States in Dubai at EXPO 2020. 

Micah Christian, a native of Randolph, Massachusetts, became interested in music at an early age. However, it wasn’t until his senior year of high school, when he earned a solo in the Massachusetts Southeastern District Senior Choir, that he realized his potential as a musician. As a freshman at Stonehill College, he decided to follow his passion for music. For the next five years, he spent his summers performing with the Cape Cod-based a cappella group, Hyannis Sound, and his love for music deepened.  Alongside Micah's passion for music is his desire to help build a better world. He has volunteered for a year in Honduras, and a month in Calcutta, India with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Also, in 2013, after graduating from Boston University with a Master of Divinity, he and his wife volunteered in a rural community in northern Peru for another year. As a member of Sons of Serendip, Micah hopes to inspire others to use their gifts to spread love and build a better world.

Cordaro Rodriguez was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He began teaching himself piano at the age of 10 and became well-versed in several other instruments as well as in music production. He has produced music for several well-known international artists such as Verbal,  Kylie Minogue, CREAM, and Def Tech. After graduating from Princeton University in 2008 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, he spent a year volunteering as an English teacher in Ecuador. He then attended Boston University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 2012. At Boston University he serendipitously reconnected with his childhood friend, Kendall Ramseur, and met his future bandmates -- Mason Morton and Micah Christian. As a member of Sons of Serendip, Cordaro is very grateful to have the opportunity to pursue his love for music.

ROTATING CAST:

Jahmori Simmons is a luminary harpist and producer hailing from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Georgia. His versatile career spans the realms of harp performance and contemporary music production, creating a unique tapestry that seamlessly blends classical elegance with contemporary flair. / Since graduating from the esteemed University of Georgia, Simmons’ career highlights have included 26 BRIT certified Silver, Gold, and Platinum singles and albums in the UK, as well as Multi-Platinum Certifications in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, and Poland. Most recently, Simmons’ artistic endeavors reached new heights with his collaboration with Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson in the 2024 rendition of the film "The Color Purple,” whose producers include Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Quincy Jones. Simmons showcased his ability to contribute to both the musical and cinematic landscapes, adding a layer of richness to this iconic production. / Whether crafting chart-topping hits, enchanting audiences with the ethereal sounds of the harp, or contributing to cinematic masterpieces, Jahmori Simmons, aka Jay-Mo Dejon, exemplifies the essence of a true artist — while pushing artistic boundaries, and solidifying his place as a groundbreaking force in the world of music and beyond. 

Former Members:

Kendall Ramseur is a singer-songwriter, composer, and cellist from Charlotte, North Carolina. To learn more about Kendall, please visit: https://www.kendallramseur.com/

Mason Morton is a freelance harpist and broadcaster from Atlanta, Georgia.

Zachary Brown is a NYC based cellist, born in Far Rockaway, Queens. Zach is both a classically and progressive/improvisation trained cellist. Using the training and experience from both styles, Zach focuses on pushing the boundaries of progressive cello playing in his writing and collaborations. He has been a guest artist and instructor at The Savannah Music Festival, New Directions Cello Festival, Ithaca Summer Music Academy, and Owens College. Performing at classical venues like Carnegie and Lincoln Center, he has also performed with The Turtle Island String Quartet, Terence Blanchard, Queen Latifah, Ashanti, Jadakiss, and numerous Gospel artists such as Tye Tribbet, Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, and more. Zach also performs regularly on Broadway in the pit of Hadestown and A Beautiful Noise.

Cremaine Booker (also known as ThatCelloGuy), is a Nashville based cellist who has performed extensively in the United States in addition to being a highly accomplished studio cellist. He currently serves as a cellist in the Iris Orchestra and is former principal cellist for the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and The Jackson Symphony. He has made solo appearances with the Opera Birmingham, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera, Trevecca Symphony, Sewanee Symphony, and Roy "Futureman" Wooten's Black Mozart Ensemble. He has performed with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Carrie Underwood, India.Arie, Mickey Guyton, Martina McBride, Jewel, Lindsey Stirling, Michael W. Smith, LeAnn Rhimes, Mike Hicks, and many others. In addition to his live performances he has recorded cello on projects such as The Lion King (2019), Ruined King (2021), Masters of the Air (2023), and Paw Patrol 2 (2023).

Cremaine has performed masterclasses with teachers such as Natalia Koma, YeonJin Kim, Julia Tanner, Eric Kutz, Peter Sheppard, and Yo-Yo Ma. Cremaine holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University.

Cremaine plays on a modern cello gifted to him by William H. and Judith Scheide.

SERENDIPITY

Chance, luck, divine orchestration, serendipity--whatever it may be called--all feature the coincidence of seemingly random singular events that result in beneficial but unintended outcomes.  It can be found anywhere.

It was found in Charlotte, NC, when seven-year-old Kendall Ramseur and his family moved in around the block from eight-year-old Cordaro Rodriguez.  They became friends and one day found themselves envisioning all the possibilities the future held as they laid upon a trampoline, staring at the sky.

It was found in each in the various musical instruments that were littered around the homes in which Micah Christian of Randolph, MA and Cordaro were brought up.  Music was a hobby, not the intended goal.

It was found in the various stringed instruments that were cast as lots upon a classroom floor from which Kendall Ramseur discerned the cello.

It was found in the mindless and childish acceptance of a free offer to learn the harp by a young Mason Morton of Atlanta, GA, despite having no knowledge of what the harp even looked like.

When these boys became men, serendipity paid them another visit.

It found Micah when he was faced with the decision of accepting an offer to Teach for America or attending grad school at Boston University for theology.  On the day he was called to make a decision, a recruiter from Teach for America told Micah that something within her spoke to her saying that Micah belonged at Boston University.  And so he went.

It found Cordaro as he applied to law school.  His prelaw advisor at Princeton encouraged him to apply to Boston College for law school.  He confused Boston College for Boston University, and there he applied. And so he went.

It found Kendall the day after he spent an evening in prayer deciding on which grad school offer to accept in pursuit of his Master’s in Cello Performance.  A beaming morning sun opened his eyes the next morning and a voice of peace whispered to him, “Boston University.” Of course there were better financial aid offers.  But still he went.

It found Mason after his harp teacher at Rice University entrusted him into the hands of her former teacher, Ann Hobson Pilot of Boston University, for grad school.  Mason packed his SUV with his harp and all of his belongings and drove from Houston to Boston.  He had no idea where he would live.  But still he went.

And then all these singular fortuities fluttered downward as birds finding sanctuary upon a church steeple.

Micah met Cordaro at the Boston University Chapel one Sunday in 2009.  Both shared their unusually identical interests and influences in music.  So, they kept in touch.  Kendall arrived in 2010, and much to his surprise discovered that Cordaro, his childhood friend, was there as well.  So, they reconnected.  Mason, with all his belongings and no housing prospects save one, arrived at Kendall’s doorsteps on the day he arrived in Cambridge, MA.  Kendall’s former roommate had just moved out. Two years later, Cordaro moved in with Kendall and Mason.

Although the kaleidoscope of occurrences seemed to be merging into some discernibly beautiful image, the viewing chamber kept spinning and whatever was forming collapsed.  

After graduating in 2012, Micah was called to the deserts of Peru as a volunteer.  But there he encountered the most difficult year of his life, facing obstacles the left him disillusioned. Mason, upon graduating, felt ill-prepared for any and everything he hoped to pursue in life. So he decided to pursue yet another degree in music to buy himself time to think about who he was and wanted to become.  Kendall decided to pursue a career as a solo cellist and singer-songwriter.  However, the enormity of getting such a career off the ground pulled him underground into the Boston subways as a busker, a necessary detour to keep a roof over his head.  After graduating from law school, Cordaro was faced with the toughest legal market of the century.  Unable to land full-time legal employment that would cover his rent and being unsure of whether he wanted to pursue law further, he accompanied Kendall in his subway performances.  

It was not easy to see that the random spinning pieces of brokenness that were embedded in four mirrors of disillusionment would collide in the scope of one year--that their kaleidoscope, properly illuminated, would reveal an emerging serendipitous beauty that has never before been seen or heard.

It was in the heat of the desert Micah found an oasis in expecting nothing from anyone and anything from himself.  Amidst the noisy subway trains, Kendall trained his soul to create its own peace in whatever piece he played, whether there was an audience of ninety or none.  On the misty mirror of self-doubt, Mason drew maps of all the places his life could take him, seeing himself more clearly in the contours of each stroke. And on the foggy window of uncertainty, Cordaro contented himself in being the droplet that resigns itself to taking the path of least resistance down the window pane, revealing what lies beyond.

With their resignation to serendipity there came an astounding fortuitous cascade of wonders.

Finding Micah fresh out of his desert experience, serendipity placed before him the opportunity to audition for America’s Got Talent.  He said yes.  Micah asked Cordaro to join him.  He said yes.  Cordaro asked Kendall and Mason to join them.  They said yes.  Everyone said yes. Not one of them could even tell you why they said yes, and they all would deny having felt any deep moving conviction to say yes.  To say yes was as unforeseen to them as the opportunity itself.  Neither would they admit that their yes’s were particularly hopeful or excited ones.  Rather, their yes was conceived by a thorough and utter resignation to serendipity.  And so, the Sons of Serendip were born. 

--

Sons of Serendip were finalists on season 9 of America’s Got Talent.  They continue to create beautiful music through the use of a harp, piano, cello, and voice.

2023

“Audience swoons over Sons of Serendip'“ - DailyAdvocate.com

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/2023/04/26/audience-swoons-over-sons-of-serendip/

___________________________

“Sons of Serendip continue journey that started with America’s Got Talent” - Chicago Tribune

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/ct-ptb-ent-sons-of-serendip-1108-20191030-rr764nciz5fz5l7qcio5aa2zau-story.html

“Meet the America’s Got Talent: The Champions Competitors” - E! Entertainment

https://www.eonline.com/photos/26482/meet-the-america-s-got-talent-the-champions-competitors

“Sons of Serendip Compete on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT: THE CHAMPIONS 2/4 on NBC” - Broadway World

https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Sons-of-Serendip-Compete-on-AMERICAS-GOT-TALENT-THE-CHAMPIONS-24-on-NBC-20190124

“Two Boston acts — five local talents — compete on NBC’s ‘AGT: The Champions’ Jan. 7” - The Boston Globe

https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2019/01/05/boston-acts-compete-on-nbcs-agt-the-champions

"Sons of Serendip Finding Their Sound" - The Boston Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2014/06/09/sons-serendip-compete-america-got-talent/kE51iCX0Y2YbLZcsiol4UN/story.htm

"Talent Propels Sons of Serendip from BU to the Billboard Charts" - The Boston Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2015/11/21/talent-propels-sons-serendip-from-billboard-charts/KWXYHQZJ0d6ufeoWZbtxNP/story.html

"Making Merry with Music" - The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/arts/music/making-merry-with-music.html?_r=0

"Rating 2015's Holiday Music..."- Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-ca-ms-holiday-music-roundup-20151220-story.html

"Maestro Keith Lockhart Celebrating 20th Anniversary with the Boston Pops" - CBS Boston

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/maestro-keith-lockhart-celebrating-20th-anniversary-with-boston-pops/

"Sons of Serendip Four Friends Who Went All in for Their Music..." - The Virginian Pilot

http://pilotonline.com/entertainment/music/sons-of-serendip-four-friends-who-went-all-in-for/article_14f515a6-30f7-5c9a-974d-c66925eae63e.html

"Sons of Serendip at Wausau's Grand Theater" - Broadway World Review

http://www.broadwayworld.com/appleton/article/BWW-Review-SONS-OF-SERENDIP-at-Wausaus-Grand-Theater-20170220 

“Classical Crossover Musical Group Sons of Serendip” - Classical Crossover Magazine (Spring 2021 Feature)

https://classicalcrossovermagazine.us/classical-crossover-musical-group-sons-of-serendip/

“WCVB will kick off the season with "Holiday Lights," live from the City of Boston's official tree-lighting on Boston Common with headliners the Sons of Serendip” - WCVB Boston

https://www.wcvb.com/article/sons-of-serendip/41996642

“Stars from ‘The Voice’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’ are coming to Fall River” - Fun 107 (The Southcoast’s #1 Hot Music Station)

https://fun107.com/a-couple-of-stars-from-the-voice-and-americas-got-talent-are-coming-to-fall-river/