St. Augustine Music Festival Marks Milestone 20th Season with Free World-Class Performances

The 20th annual St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) returns this June, celebrating two decades of free-to-the-public performances. With six concerts over two weekends- June 19-21 and June 26-28– audiences will gather in the historic Cathedral Basilica renowned for its beauty, accessibility, and acoustics. Founded in 2007 to educate, entertain and elevate, SAMF has become one of the nation’s largest free chamber music festivals. Each summer, SAMF musicians and guest artists fill the cathedral with world class music that brings together both beloved classics and innovative new music.

Acclaimed baritone Robert Sims is set to make his return to the Sundays with SAMF series, kicking off the month long festival on May 31 with an intimate performance at The Waterworks on San Marco Ave. Known for his commanding stage presence and deeply expressive voice, Sims brings a program that spans spirituals, classical works, and beloved vocal repertoire, connecting audiences to the rich traditions of American music.

Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM
“Celebrating America: A Tribute Through Song and Spirit”

Tickets for this exclusive event are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased here.

As for the SAMF, the festival will run the last two weekends of June, featuring a variety of concert series from classical musicians. Below is a full itinerary of events.

Week One • June 19 – 21

Friday, June 19 at 7:30 PM
Juneteenth Recognition Concert
“Voices of Freedom: American Music for Juneteenth”

This special concert features the SAMF Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jorge Peña, with acclaimed baritone Robert Sims. The program honors Juneteenth through music that reflects resilience, freedom, remembrance, and hope.

Quinn Mason (1996 -) Princesa de la Luna for Harp and String Orchestra
Lena Johnson McLin (1928 -) I’m a Soldier Spiritual Suite – Glory Glory Hallelujah/I’m a Soldier/Don’t Ya Let Nobody Turn You “Round
Jessie Montgomery (1981 -) Strum
George Walker (1922 – 2018) Lyric for Strings
Aaron Copland (1900 – 1990) Old American Songs
– The Boatman’s Dance
– Simple Gifts
– At The River
– Ching-a-Ring Chaw
– I Bought Me A Cat

Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 PM
Chamber Music
“Mozart and More”

Featuring two beloved piano quartets, this concert brings audiences into the heart of the chamber music tradition. Mozart’s elegance and dramatic expression pair beautifully with Schumann’s expansive Romantic voice, creating a program that is both graceful and deeply expressive.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791) – Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, KV 478 (1784)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856) – Piano Quartet No. 1 in E-Flat Major, op. 47 (1786)

Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 PM
SAMF Chamber Orchestra
“Elegance and Fire: Masterpieces of the Classical Spirit”

Featuring works by Edvard Grieg, Joseph Haydn, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this concert explores the balance between expressive lyricism and dramatic energy that defines some of the most enduring music in the classical repertoire. From bold orchestral writing to elegant chamber textures, the program showcases the range and brilliance of these composers.

Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907) Holberg Suite
Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809) Symphony No. 3
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791) Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

Week Two • June 26 – 28

Friday, June 26 at 7:30 PM
Chamber Music
“Chamber Virtuosity: The Art of Ensemble”

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.

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 

Saturday, June 27 at 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

Tickets to any of the concerts taking place during the SAMF are free, but general admission seating is limited. It’s recommended that you reserve seating in advance on the festival’s website here.