June 19: Two free concerts to celebrate St. Augustine Music Festival’s 15th Anniversary

St. Augustine Music Festival Orchestra and the Ritz Chamber Players & Choir to perform at The Amp

On Saturday, June 19, 2021, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre will host the St. Augustine Music Festival’s 15th Anniversary Celebration featuring two groundbreaking concerts to celebrate the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. The two concerts, one at 3pm and the second at 7:30pm, are both free and open to the public; however, seats must be reserved in advance online at www.samfjuneteenth3pm.eventbrite.com and www.samfjunteenth730pm.eventbrite.com.

As part of its 15th Anniversary Celebration, the St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) is bringing together world- class musicians from its own orchestra and those of the Ritz Chamber Players and multi-community choirs to “Let Freedom Sing on Junteenth!” and honor Freedom Day with an inspiring selection of spirituals and classical works all rejoicing in the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement.

“We are honored to work with the African American music community to develop a program celebrating the songs and music of freedom,” said Jorge Peña, SAMF’s artistic director. He added, “Thanks to our amazing donors, we are able to offer these concerts free of charge and allow all people to experience the uplifting sounds of instrumental and choral music.”

The 3pm concert features words from Dr. Martin Luther King, among others; works from two of the greatest African-American women composers – Margaret Bonds and Florence Price – and additional composers Jesse Williams, Keith Hampton and Roland Carter. To register for the free tickets to the 3pm concert, please visit www.samfjuneteenth3pm.eventbrite.com.

The 7:30pm concert features old and new classical music from Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a French composer of African ancestry, Beethoven, Stravinsky and Jessie Montgomery. To register for the free tickets to the 7:30pm concert, please visit www.samfjunteenth730pm.eventbrite.com.

In addition to the musical performances, an African American art and photography exhibit, curated by the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center and the St. Augustine Art Association, will displayed between concerts.

Tickets for the St. Augustine Music Festival’s 15th Anniversary Celebration at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 19, 2021 are free and available online only. Please visit www.staugustinemusicfestival.org for more information.

FREE and open to the public. Seats must be reserved in advance online