The Miami choir Seraphic Fire announced Wednesday it will go on its first international tour next year, with a seven-day visit to Mexico.

The eight-year-old ensemble, which has earned reams of praise from critics and a loyal following in South Florida, will perform Monteverdi's Vespers in four concerts in Mexico City and Monterey.

The choir will be joined by the Western Michigan University Chorale, for performances funded by a grant from the American Express Foundation.

The tour will run from May 17 to May 23. The ensemble will also perform the celebrated Monteverdi work at its regular concerts in South Florida, and plans to release a compact disc of the work at the same time.

"This is quite thrilling for us," says Patrick Dupré Quigley, the organization's founder and artistic director in a statement. "Being able to showcase Monteverdi's masterpiece to an international audience will end our 8th season on a high note."