ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Music, history, and culture will fill the air in the nation’s oldest city as the St. Augustine Music Festival returns for its 19th season. This year, the festival will bring world-class performances to the Cathedral Basilica, all at no cost to the public.
The festival is set to take place over the final two weekends of June, offering seven free concerts. In the heart of historic St. Augustine, classical music will soon echo through the Cathedral Basilica once again.
Jorge Pena, artistic director of the St. Augustine Music Festival, shared his excitement about the event. “It brings world-class music in a very unique setting. The Cathedral probably hosts some of the best acoustics in North Florida,” he said.
This year’s festival opens on Juneteenth with a powerful performance by the Ritz Chamber Players, honoring the life of James Weldon Johnson.
Terrance Patterson, executive director of the Ritz Chamber Players, explained the program’s significance, saying, “We’ve selected a program that encompasses all of the things that are going on this month. The whole program features black composers, including new works and pieces by Sam Koors Taylor, who is often compared to Mozart. People can expect a wide variety of music.”
The final concert of the season, on June 29, celebrates the 460th anniversary of St. Augustine. This closing event will pay tribute to the city’s rich legacy, featuring works by historical composers like Mozart. Violinist Raphael Ramirez will also perform a special piece, Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto.
“We’re celebrating 300 years since it was written in 1725. It’s a great opportunity to perform something that has been alive for 300 years,” Ramirez said. “The festival not only preserves great music but also provides an opportunity to bring new works and educate the audience.”
The St. Augustine Music Festival promises to be a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present, inviting everyone to experience the beauty of classical music in a historic setting.
