CelloVoci’s “Night Divine” Brings Harmony and Holiday Magic to Vallarta
On December 29th, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Teatro Vallarta will come alive with the powerful sounds of CelloVoci — the beloved trio made up of Effie Passero, Branden James, and James Clark — for one unforgettable night of music, magic, and meaning. Their show, Night Divine, promises a sweeping journey from the sacred beauty of holiday classics to the euphoric energy of modern hits, bridging two worlds in one spectacular evening. Hosted by the always fabulous Sutton Lee Seymour and featuring a live band under the musical direction of Mark Hartman, this concert is poised to be one of the most anticipated cultural events of the holiday season.
For CelloVoci, this performance is not just another stop on their international touring calendar. It’s a heartfelt homecoming — and a celebration of the vibrant Puerto Vallarta community that has embraced them since the very beginning.
The Inspiration Behind Night Divine
When asked what inspired the mix of music for Night Divine, singer and pianist Branden James explained that the idea grew naturally out of their history together. “Over the years since we began collaborating in 2020, the period of holiday music concerts has become our busiest season,” he shared. “The genre, both sacred and secular, fits our classical and pop sensibilities so well.”
This December, the trio will embark on an ambitious run of 15 holiday shows across the U.S. and Mexico — with Night Divine serving as the grand finale. “Since this show is on December 29th, we decided to not let it go just yet,” James said. “Many people that week are still traditionally reveling in Christmas, Hanukkah, and other celebrations as they prepare for the new year. We decided to make the first half of the concert all about the beauty and mystery of holiday music, and the second half a huge party to ring brighter times ahead in the new year.”
Audiences can expect soaring renditions of “O Holy Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Mary Did You Know?” before being swept into a lively mix of anthems by Coldplay, The Eagles, Adele, Snow Patrol, and selections from Moulin Rouge and Rent. It’s a setlist that perfectly reflects CelloVoci’s musical DNA — a seamless fusion of classical sophistication and contemporary edge.
A Homecoming at Teatro Vallarta
For Branden and James, the connection to Puerto Vallarta runs deep. The duo first performed at Teatro Vallarta in 2020, co-producing a show during a time when live entertainment was still slowly returning after the global shutdown. “Even in that time, when many people were still trepidatious about being inside, we were able to get nearly 500 people to show up and be transported somewhere lighter for a couple of hours,” James recalled. “It was such a thrill to have all of our fans in one place.”
This year marks a milestone: ten years since Branden and James first began performing in Puerto Vallarta, and five years since Effie Passero joined the city’s vibrant artistic community. For them, Night Divine is a celebration of that shared history and gratitude. “We want to bring the amazing community together under one roof and present a grand musical spectacle to show our appreciation for all the love we’ve received throughout our time here,” said James. “Teatro Vallarta is the largest concert space in PV, and we have quite a theatrical experience in store for audiences.”
Unexpected Collaborations and Musical Surprises
Part of what makes a CelloVoci performance so special is its unpredictability. The trio loves to surprise audiences with unique arrangements and unexpected collaborations. Night Divine will be no exception. One of the evening’s highlights will be the interplay between CelloVoci and their guest host, Sutton Lee Seymour, a celebrated drag performer known for her quick wit and powerhouse vocals.
“We have several collaborations planned with Sutton,” Branden teased. “Most people won’t see a musical collab coming between a drag queen and a classical act. That in and of itself will be exciting.” He also revealed that Effie Passero will perform her best-known hit from Postmodern Jukebox, a performance that promises to leave audiences “blown away.”
It’s this blend of artistry, humor, and emotional depth that defines CelloVoci’s performances. Their shows are as much about connection and storytelling as they are about music.
Crafting the CelloVoci Sound
One of the group’s greatest strengths lies in how naturally their distinct talents blend together. Branden’s soaring tenor, James’s soulful cello, and Effie’s powerhouse vocals create a sound that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. “It’s rather seamless, actually,” James explained. “The three of us keep running lists of songs that we’d like to work on together — originals and covers alike. We gather around a piano for a rehearsal, and ‘workshop’ them. If we all mutually agree that the music will work for us, we then write a form for the song and hand it over to James.”
As the group’s master arranger, James Clark adapts their repertoire for a wide range of settings — from intimate trio performances to full orchestral arrangements. “Depending on the gig, we have to have all of these options at our disposal,” said Branden. That flexibility allows CelloVoci to transition effortlessly between styles and venues, from small cabarets to major concert halls.
From Living Rooms to Carnegie Hall
The journey that led CelloVoci to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a pandemic-era experiment — three artists performing virtual concerts from empty apartments in Puerto Vallarta — has blossomed into a globally touring ensemble. “When we first started, we were playing virtual concerts to computer screens back in the USA, Canada, and Australia,” Branden recalled. “Those were the early days. We didn’t have a name yet; we were just Branden, James & Effie.”
That changed during their first U.S. tour, when inspiration struck during one of their long drives between cities. “We finally came up with the name CelloVoci — cello and voices in Italian,” said James. Since then, they’ve toured extensively across the United States and Mexico, performing in cabarets, performing arts centers, and, most recently, major concert halls.
In October 2024, CelloVoci reached a career-defining milestone with their debut concert at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall. “That sold-out evening full of adulation was such a wonderful reminder that we deserved to be standing on that stage,” Branden said. “It was the beginning of our epiphany that the three of us are exactly in the right place. It was a huge milestone for us all individually, and it reaffirmed our belief in what we do.”
Healing Through Music
At its heart, Night Divine is more than a concert — it’s an invitation to feel, to laugh, and to heal. For CelloVoci, that’s what drives every performance. “We know it’s been a hell of a year between world events, politics, natural disasters, and personal struggles,” Branden reflected. “Aside from the incredible community of locals and expats who will be there supporting us, most attendees will be enjoying a hard-earned vacation that week in Banderas Bay. We want to show people the time of their lives by creating a two-hour window of escape from reality through music, lightheartedness, and feeling.”
That mission — to bring light and beauty into a complicated world — is the foundation of everything they do. “If we can leave people feeling emotionally moved, and perhaps have a few laughs along the way, we will have done our jobs correctly,” Branden said. “In trying times, we feel called as artists to shed light and beauty on the world at large. Music is this incredibly powerful form of magic we can all communicate in, and often agree upon. Music heals.”
A Night to Remember
With their dazzling arrangements, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable chemistry, CelloVoci has redefined what a modern classical-crossover act can be. Night Divine is their love letter to Puerto Vallarta — a city that has nurtured their art and spirit — and a grand finale to a remarkable year that saw them perform on some of the world’s greatest stages.
For one night only, audiences at Teatro Vallarta will be treated to a concert that bridges genres, generations, and emotions — a night where classical meets pop, laughter meets catharsis, and holiday reverence meets pure celebration.
As Branden James put it best: “We hope people come out to Teatro Vallarta on December 29th for a night of divine inspiration.”
