EMMA Concert Association announces 48th season of music and dance at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida
Season tickets go on sale June 29, with individual tickets on sale August 15
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — EMMA Concert Association partners with Flagler College for its 48th season of bringing incredible music and dance to the St. Augustine stage in Lewis Auditorium, the beautiful 800-seat venue at the college in historic St. Augustine, Florida.
Season tickets will go on sale Monday, June 29; and individual tickets will be available starting August 15 at emmaconcerts.com
The season includes six performances:
- Oct. 10: Jacksonville Symphony
- December 15: Ocala Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops
- January 16, 2027: New York Philharmonic String Quartet
- January 23, 2027: South Carolina Ballet – Sleeping Beauty
- March 7, 2027: Orchestra Manhattan
- April 24, 2027: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Jacksonville Symphony on Oct 10
Founded in 1949, the Jacksonville Symphony brings exceptional, enthralling music to listeners in the community, across Florida and far beyond. Music Director Courtney Lewis takes his step on the conductor’s podium for his tenth season to lead some of the world’s finest musicians in performances that continue to reach new levels of artistic excellence.
The St. Augustine concert on October 10 will include selections from Tchaikovsky and Swan Lake.
Ocala Symphony Orchestra on Dec 15
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is a professional, community-based orchestra based in Ocala, Florida, with a rich history dating back to 1975 when a group of musicians and civic leaders began organizing a symphonic ensemble for the area. It was granted nonprofit status in 1977. The Ocala Symphony is led by Maestro Matthew Wardell, who has been its music director and conductor since 2009. Wardell is also a respected educator and visiting artist at multiple universities.
The December 15 concert will include a mix of traditional and popular holiday tunes and a sing-along portion.
New York Philharmonic String Quartet on Jan 16
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet comprises four Principal musicians from the Orchestra: Concertmaster Frank Huang; Principal Second Violin Group Qianqian Li; Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps; and Principal Cello Carter Brey. The group was formed in January 2017, during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season. All four members are multiple prize winners, have appeared as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and orchestras around the world.
The January 16 concert may feature a mix of classical and romantic masters, include Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Dvorak.
South Carolina Ballet – Sleeping Beauty on Jan 23
Founded in 1961 as Columbia City Ballet, South Carolina Ballet is the state’s leading professional ballet company, presenting performances, educational programs, and community initiatives that reach audiences across South Carolina and the Southeast. One of ballet’s most celebrated masterpieces, Sleeping Beauty embodies the elegance, beauty, and technical brilliance of the classical art form. One of South Carolina Ballet’s most enduring productions, it was first staged by the company in 1966 and reimagined by William Starrett in 1996, remaining a cornerstone of the company’s classical repertoire. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, this glorious production offers audiences a grand and unforgettable ballet experience.
In addition to the performance, the company will teach a master class at a St. Augustine dance school prior to the performance.
Orchestra Manhattan on March 7
Orchestra Manhattan, with Gerard Schwarz conducting, is a newly formed orchestra consisting of top players from all over the New York-New Jersey area, which tours worldwide. The internationally acclaimed conductor is renowned for his emotionally compelling performances, innovative programming, and dedication to music education. He currently serves as Music Director of the All-Star Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony, and Frost Symphony Orchestra. Schwarz has premiered over 300 new works and is a passionate advocate for American composers, with recent long-form commissioning projects that extend beyond a single institution.
On January 23, 11-year-old pianist Amelia Ly will perform in St. Augustine. A student at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music since age 8, Ly has traveled the globe performing with orchestras, including the Lviv National Philharmonic in Ukraine and performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in its entirety, receiving a standing ovation.
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on April 24
Tommy Dorsey was unsurpassed as a bandleader during The Swing Era of American popular music. From 1935 to 1956 the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra was recognized as the greatest dance band. Today’s Tommy Dorsey Orchestra continues this great tradition for audiences worldwide, and fans of all ages.
More details and ticket information at emmaconcerts.com
ABOUT THE NONPROFIT
EMMA Concert Association began in 1979 as the Emil Maestre Music Association, named after famous Spanish cellist, Emil Maestre, who retired in St. Augustine. The nonprofit organization gives back to the community through music education – providing college scholarships for music students, along with grants for music teachers and music instruction groups throughout St. Johns County, Florida. Learn more at emmaconcerts.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2026
EMMA Concert Association announces 48th season of music and dance at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida
Season tickets go on sale June 29, with individual tickets on sale August 15
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — EMMA Concert Association partners with Flagler College for its 48th season of bringing incredible music and dance to the St. Augustine stage in Lewis Auditorium, the beautiful 800-seat venue at the college in historic St. Augustine, Florida.
Season tickets will go on sale Monday, June 29; and individual tickets will be available starting August 15 at emmaconcerts.com
The season includes six performances:
- Oct. 10: Jacksonville Symphony
- December 15: Ocala Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops
- January 16, 2027: New York Philharmonic String Quartet
- January 23, 2027: South Carolina Ballet – Sleeping Beauty
- March 7, 2027: Orchestra Manhattan
- April 24, 2027: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Jacksonville Symphony on Oct 10
Founded in 1949, the Jacksonville Symphony brings exceptional, enthralling music to listeners in the community, across Florida and far beyond. Music Director Courtney Lewis takes his step on the conductor’s podium for his tenth season to lead some of the world’s finest musicians in performances that continue to reach new levels of artistic excellence.
The St. Augustine concert on October 10 will include selections from Tchaikovsky and Swan Lake.
Ocala Symphony Orchestra on Dec 15
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is a professional, community-based orchestra based in Ocala, Florida, with a rich history dating back to 1975 when a group of musicians and civic leaders began organizing a symphonic ensemble for the area. It was granted nonprofit status in 1977. The Ocala Symphony is led by Maestro Matthew Wardell, who has been its music director and conductor since 2009. Wardell is also a respected educator and visiting artist at multiple universities.
The December 15 concert will include a mix of traditional and popular holiday tunes and a sing-along portion.
New York Philharmonic String Quartet on Jan 16
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet comprises four Principal musicians from the Orchestra: Concertmaster Frank Huang; Principal Second Violin Group Qianqian Li; Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps; and Principal Cello Carter Brey. The group was formed in January 2017, during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season. All four members are multiple prize winners, have appeared as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and orchestras around the world.
The January 16 concert may feature a mix of classical and romantic masters, include Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Dvorak.
South Carolina Ballet – Sleeping Beauty on Jan 23
Founded in 1961 as Columbia City Ballet, South Carolina Ballet is the state’s leading professional ballet company, presenting performances, educational programs, and community initiatives that reach audiences across South Carolina and the Southeast. One of ballet’s most celebrated masterpieces, Sleeping Beauty embodies the elegance, beauty, and technical brilliance of the classical art form. One of South Carolina Ballet’s most enduring productions, it was first staged by the company in 1966 and reimagined by William Starrett in 1996, remaining a cornerstone of the company’s classical repertoire. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, this glorious production offers audiences a grand and unforgettable ballet experience.
In addition to the performance, the company will teach a master class at a St. Augustine dance school prior to the performance.
Orchestra Manhattan on March 7
Orchestra Manhattan, with Gerard Schwarz conducting, is a newly formed orchestra consisting of top players from all over the New York-New Jersey area, which tours worldwide. The internationally acclaimed conductor is renowned for his emotionally compelling performances, innovative programming, and dedication to music education. He currently serves as Music Director of the All-Star Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony, and Frost Symphony Orchestra. Schwarz has premiered over 300 new works and is a passionate advocate for American composers, with recent long-form commissioning projects that extend beyond a single institution.
On January 23, 11-year-old pianist Amelia Ly will perform in St. Augustine. A student at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music since age 8, Ly has traveled the globe performing with orchestras, including the Lviv National Philharmonic in Ukraine and performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in its entirety, receiving a standing ovation.
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on April 24
Tommy Dorsey was unsurpassed as a bandleader during The Swing Era of American popular music. From 1935 to 1956 the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra was recognized as the greatest dance band. Today’s Tommy Dorsey Orchestra continues this great tradition for audiences worldwide, and fans of all ages.
More details and ticket information at emmaconcerts.com
ABOUT THE NONPROFIT
EMMA Concert Association began in 1979 as the Emil Maestre Music Association, named after famous Spanish cellist, Emil Maestre, who retired in St. Augustine. The nonprofit organization gives back to the community through music education – providing college scholarships for music students, along with grants for music teachers and music instruction groups throughout St. Johns County, Florida. Learn more at emmaconcerts.com
