Friday, June 19, 7:30 PM Juneteenth Recognition Concert

“Voices of Freedom: American Music for Juneteenth”

Sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council

SAMF Chamber Orchestra

Jorge Peña, Conductor

Robert Sims, Baritone 

Voices of Freedom - American Music for Juneteenth Concert featured the music of Quinn Mason, Lena Johnson McLin, Jessie Montgomery, George Walker and Aaron Copland. Lyric Baritone Robert Sims did not disappoint the audience. An encore of "Ole Man River" was heartfelt and brought the audience to their feet!



Saturday, June 20, 7:30 PM - Chamber Music

"Mozart and More"

Performers

Gabriela Peña-Kim, violin

Lauren Hodges, viola

Jin Kim, cello

Yukino Miyake, piano 

"Mozart and More"

The comment that many of our attendees said was, "I love Mozart!" Mozart Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor

It seems they also loved the "More" - Robert Schuman's Piano Quartet No.1 in Eb Major.

It was a fantastic concert and a very appreciative audience!

Sunday, June 21, 7:30 PM – SAMF Chamber Orchestra

“Elegance and Fire: Masterpieces of the Classical Spirit”

"Elegance and Fire: Masterpeices of the Classical Spirit" lived up to it's theme.

Grieg's lively "Holberg Suite" began the evening's performance followed by Haydn's Symphony No. 3 in G Major

Following the Intermission, Mozart's "Symphony No. 40 in G Minor" completed this wonderful program to a standing ovation and continuous applause.

Below are the Incredible and Talented Musicians of the

2026 St. Augustine Music Festival Chamber Orchestra!

Violin I: Nigel Armstrong, Gabriella Peña-Kim, Igor Khukhua, Beau Henson, Kaiyuan Wu

Violin II: Ingang Han, Diego Diaz, Piotr Szewczyk, Ann Hertler

Viola: Romona Merritt, Lauren Hodges, Ellen Olson, Joseph Henderson

Cello: Jin Kim, Betsy Federman, Brian Magnus, Bass: Paul Strasshofer

Oboe: EricOlson, Noel Prokop-Seaton, Bassoon: Anthony Anurca, Stephanie Magnus

Horn: Thomas Park, Debra Sherril



Week Two - June 26 - 28

Friday, June 26, 7:30 PM – Chamber Music

“Chamber Virtuosity: The Art of Ensemble”



with Nigel Armstrong and Gabriela Peña-Kim, violins

Benjamin Picard (1991-) Concentric – Gabriela Peña-Kim, Solo Violin

Guillaume Connesson (1970 -) Sextuor for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola, bass and piano

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847) Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 

Experience the brilliance of chamber music at the St. Augustine Music Festival with

Chamber Virtuosity: The Art of Ensemble, a dynamic program showcasing the precision,

energy, and expressive power of musicians performing in close collaboration.

This concert brings together exceptional SAMF artists for an evening of bold contrasts and masterful ensemble playing, featuring works by Benjamin Picard, Guillaume Connesson, and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. From contemporary color and rhythmic drive to one of the great masterpieces of the chamber repertoire, this program offers a vivid and memorable concert experience.



For audiences looking for a classical concert in St. Augustine that combines virtuosity, intimacy, and excitement, this performance highlights why chamber music remains one of the most powerful live music experiences.

Gabriela Peña-Kim

Nigel Armstrong

QR Code for the June 26, 2026 Concert

Saturday, June 27, 7:30 PM - Mixed Chamber Ensembles

“250 National Celebration - American Landscapes”

Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Quiet City, suite for English horn, trumpet, and strings

Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963) Sextet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano

Antonin Dvorak (1841–1904) Arr. Takuya Shigeta - The Sun Sets onto Distant Mountains quintet for flute, oboe, clarinet, T-saxophone, double bass.

George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) Lullaby for String Orchestra

Aaron Copland (1900 – 1990) Appalachian Spring Suite (original score 13 instruments) 1970

Celebrate America’s musical heritage with the St. Augustine Music Festival in 250th National Celebration: American Landscapes, a concert honoring the nation’s rich cultural and artistic traditions through music.

This special program highlights the spirit, diversity, and beauty of American life through works by iconic composers including Aaron Copland and other leading voices in American music. From sweeping orchestral textures to intimate, reflective moments, the music paints a vivid portrait of the American experience.

As part of SAMF’s 20th anniversary season, this performance offers a meaningful and uplifting concert experience in St. Augustine—perfect for audiences seeking live classical music that is both inspiring and deeply rooted in history.

QR Code for the June 27, 2026 Concert

Sunday, June 28, 7:30 PM – Chamber Orchestra

“St. Augustine Music Festival 20^th Anniversary Concert”



Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791) Piano Concerto No. 10 for two pianos in E-flat major K. 365/316a

With Pianists Chelsea Wang and Evangeliya Delizonas

Camille Saint-Saëns* (1835-1921) The Carnival of The Animals

* Narration written by Susan S. Calfee and Lynne Radcliffe

This original narration brings to the audience a very unique St. Augustine perspective.

Narrated by the Very Rev. John Tetlow, Cathedral Basilica

Join the St. Augustine Music Festival for a landmark evening as we celebrate our final

20th Anniversary Concert, marking two decades of bringing world-class classical music to the St. Augustine community.

This special performance brings together distinguished artists, celebrated repertoire, and unforgettable moments from across the festival’s history. Designed as both a celebration and a reflection, the program highlights the artistic excellence and community spirit that have defined SAMF since its founding.

As one of the premier classical music events in St. Augustine, this anniversary concert offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a truly festive and meaningful evening of live music, honoring the past while looking forward to the future of the festival.

Chelsea Wang

Evangeliya Delizonas

Fr. John Tetlow has served as pastor and rector of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine since July 2021. He was born in Manchester, England and immigrated to the United States as a child. He attended seminary at St. Meinrad Archabbey, was ordained a priest in May 1985 and has spent over 40 years in the Diocese of St. Augustine. He has led numerous parishes and has served as Vocations Director, Youth Group Director, Vicar for Deacons, and Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Augustine.  

Narrator: The Very Rev. John Tetlow

QR Code for the June 28, 2026 Concert

Bonus Music from the St. Augustine Music Festival!



Independence on the Ramparts: America 250 in Brass, Fife & Drum

Castillo de San Marcos

1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Friday, July 3, 2026

Music from 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Free Admission to the Castillo

and all National Parks over July 4 Weekend

The City Parking Garage at the Visitors Center is just a short walk away.

The St. Augustine Music Festival is honored to partner with the National Park Service and the St. Johns Cultural Council for a special outdoor musical celebration at the Castillo de San Marcos, helping to launch the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities in historic St. Augustine.

This patriotic program will feature Fife and Drum Musicians providing historically inspired music throughout the fort, along with a Brass Quintet performing ceremonial fanfares and selections that reflect America’s musical heritage.

Set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this event offers audiences a meaningful way to experience history, music, and community as part of SAMF’s 20th anniversary season.

This is an opportunity for family members of all ages to hear patriotic music while celebrating our nation's history at a fort that was completed in 1695, many decades before the United States signed the Declaration of Independence. The Castillo has seen the history of Florida and our country under the Spanish, British, Spanish, as an American territory, and eventually as a state within the United States. It is a part of the "Living History" that we celebrate in St. Augustine and as we commemorate and celebrate our 250th Anniversary!

A Little History...

Conversation began with the US National Park Service when it was learned that entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos and all National Parks is free over the Fourth of July weekend. Jane Weizmann had worked with Park officials as a member of another organization and approached them with the idea of bringing musicians to the Castillo to help celebrate Americas 250th birthday. The SAMF Board was in agreement, Artistic Director Jorge Peña organized the musicians and the St. Johns Cultural Council offered their support. We are thrilled to provide this additional opportunity of providing free and historic music to the public!

From left to right: Jorge Pena, Founder and Artistic Director of the St. Augustine Musical Festival (SAMF), Kristine Brunsman, Interpretation Operations Manager, US National Park Service, Jane Weizmann, SAMF Board Member, Gordon Russel, VP of SAMF. 

• • Lodging Partnerships• • 

Hotel and Bed & Breakfast partnerships in St. Augustine,

where you will get special benefits when planning to attend

our June St. Augustine Music Festival concerts.

Staying in St. Augustine for the Music Festival?

SAMF attendees can take advantage of a special arrangement with the

AC Hotel by Marriott

on Riberia Street,

just a short walk from

the Cathedral Basilica.



Click here for more information

Guests Coming for the St. Augustine Music Festival guest who wish to stay in an historic bed and breakfast will enjoy free breakfast, evening social hour and free parking.

St. Francis Inn

Bed & Breakfast

279 St. George Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084 

www.stfrancisinn.com

Casa de Sueños Bed & Breakfast 

20 Cordova Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

www.casadesuenos.com

To reserve for the St. Francis Inn or Casa de Sueños,You can book online and use promo code: SAMF10 to book or call 904-824-6068 to reserve over the concert dates.

Please note: the 4th of July weekend is not included in this promotion. 

• • Why Your Contribution Matters • • 

Your gift makes the music possible!

For 20 years, the St. Augustine Music Festival has filled the 800-seat Cathedral Basilica, welcoming nearly 5,000 music lovers annually. Breathtaking acoustics, exceptional artistry, and world class performances create an unforgettable experience—free and open to all.

Community supported!

SAMF, a 501.c3 nonprofit, operates on an annual budget of about $125,000, with 85% devoted to festival production. The largest expense—roughly 50% —goes to bringing in outstanding professional musicians from North Florida and across the

nation. Historically, state and local grants have covered approximately 20%, while the remainder depends upon community donations and sponsors. As governmental support becomes less certain, community generosity is more important than ever.

Why your contribution matters!

Your generosity sustains this remarkable tradition, and every gift—large or small—helps SAMF present free concerts, attract superb musicians, collaborate with composers to exciting, relevant new music, and inspire the next generation through the universal language of music. Together, we can ensure that this 20th Anniversary

Season—and the years ahead—continue to resonate with the beauty, passion, and community spirit that define the St, Augustine Music Festival.

Community support keeps extraordinary music in our historic city.

Please consider becoming a Patron or Sponsor.

Patrons Sponsor Levels and Benefits

Support our chamber music traditions and receive seating and entrance benefits

$1500 - Prime Reserved Seating for two, early entry, Recognition in the Program and Festival reception with musicians on Sunday, June 28.

$500 - Reserved seating for two, early entry, Recognition in the Program and Festival reception with musicians on Sunday, June 28.

$250 — Early entry, general admission seating for two and Recognition in the Program.

Program Sponsor —- $2,500

Show your support through recognition on all Festival materials

・Recognition: Program cover credit

・Experience: Prime seating for 4 for the entire 2026 season

・Access: Festival reception with musicians on Sunday, June 28.

Concert Sponsor —- $5,000-$7,500

Support an individual concert and share in its success

・Recognition: Festival program and concert introduction

・Experience: Prime seating for 6 for the entire 2026 season

・Access: Festival reception with musicians on Sunday, June 28.

Personal and business checks can be made payable to the

St. Augustine Music Festival

and mailed to:

Saint Augustine Music Festival

PO Box 833

St. Augustine, FL 32085-0833

QR Code for Donations

The St. Augustine Music Festival is a non-for-profit corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code and can provide you with a copy of our tax exempt status upon request. We greatly appreciate all donations and acknowledge our donors in the festival program and on our website.

Reserved Seating for our June Concerts

Our St. Augustine Music Festival concerts in the Cathedral Basilica are general admission seating. If you wish to have reserved seating for the concert, we request a minimum annual donation of $500 (or donated $350 prior to January 15, 2026)

An annual donation of $1,500 or more will provide you and another with Prime Reserved Seating in the very front rows.

Please note: The reserved seats are not available to general admission public.

• • Volunteer Opportunities with SAMF • • 

Volunteer Housing and Driving

Would you be able to house visiting musicians from two or three days or to more than a week in your home or a condo you own?

Do you like to drive and would offer to pick up musicians from or return them to the Jacksonville Airport? Or drive them from St. Augustine to rehearsals in Jacksonville and back? Or do you have a vehicle that musicians can use during the two weeks of the festival?

SAMF Board Member Pat Konover is responsible for housing and transportation. If interested, you can contact her at: pakanelson1000@yahoo.com or 904-806-5565.

Would you consider joining the St. Augustine Music Festival Board?

Do you have particular skills that you think that could be important to the SAMF Board? As Secretary? As Treasurer with QuickBooks knowledge? Musical knowledge and appreciation? Marketing and Social Media Skills? Organizational, Creative or Technical Skills? Our voting board members are volunteers. Our Artistic Directors are paid, as is our Operations Manager. And a future Executive Director would also receive some compensation. The Board meets monthly on a Saturday morning, with some exceptions.

If interested, contact SAMF Chair, Nell Seymour Toensmann, SAMFNews4U@gmail.com or 904-484-4960

• • Watch the Videos of the 2025 Concerts Here • • 

Visit the following websites for information about

upcoming Cultural and Musical Events in Northeast Florida

Jorge Peña and Jin Kim

Artistic Directors and Co-Founders

Bill Boxer

Advisor to the Board

On behalf of the SAMF Board of Directors, we thank you!

Bill Boxer, Advisor to the Board

Nell Seymour Toensmann, Board Chair

Jorge Peña & Jin Kim, Artistic Directors

St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF)

billboxer@SAMFestival.org

Mobile: 904 982-0146

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

St. Augustine Music Festival

P.O. Box 833

St. Augustine, FL 32085-0833



904-484-4960

www.SAMFestival.org

Members of the SAMF Board

St. Francis Inn

Casa de Suenos

The St. Augustine Music Festival is very grateful for the hospitality

of the Historic and Beautiful Cathedral Basilica

for our Classical Chamber Music Concerts

offered to the public during the last two weekends in June.