St. Augustine Orchestra Inc.

Overview

The St. Augustine Orchestra Inc. is a nonprofit, semi-professional orchestra based in St. Augustine, Florida. The organization is committed to fostering a cultural and artistic legacy in St. Augustine and St. Johns County through music.

History

Founded in 1961 by Jack Van Brederode, the orchestra has evolved over the years from its initial name, St. Augustine Symphonette, to become one of the city's longest-running cultural entities. It has undergone several name changes before settling on its current form. Following Van Brederode’s tenure, the orchestra has been led by a succession of conductors, including Kenneth Hueninck, David Middleton, William Turnbull, James Peronto, Ramona Peronto, Ira Strauss, John Bush, and most recently, Maestro Scott Gregg, who joined in 2016.

Mission and Activities

The St. Augustine Orchestra Inc. aims to expand awareness and appreciation of music within the community. It provides quality live performances at an affordable cost, offers outreach programs to seniors and youths, and provides educational opportunities to budding musicians. Each performance is themed to inform, enlighten, and entertain audiences.

Concerts and Performances

The orchestra performs public and private concerts throughout the year, typically from September to May. It has played at various venues, including civic events and community centers across Florida, such as the St. Augustine Amphitheater, Jacksonville Landing, and Flagler College's Lewis Auditorium. Notable collaborations include performances with the St. Johns River Community College singers and Flagler College productions.

Notable Members and Collaborations

The orchestra has had notable members, including violinist Hugo Ohlms and internationally recognized cellist Emil Maestre. It continues to attract talented musicians from local institutions like Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, and Stetson University.

Legal Status

The St. Augustine Orchestra Inc. operates as a charitable organization, registered with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 592963548.