Welcome to the St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) quarterly newsletter. We thank you for your loyalty and support of the St. Augustine Music Festival throughout the years. Without your help, we would not have been able to continue bringing you world-class music concerts for over fourteen years.
Right now, we are all experiencing unprecedented times. Nothing is normal, but this will soon come to an end. As we look toward the future, let’s continue to support each other as we anticipate the 2020 SAMF season – and beyond!
• • SAVE THE DATE • •
Thurs. June 18, Fri. June 19, and Sat. June 20, 2020, at 7:30 pm || Thurs. June 25, Fri. June 26, and Sat. June 27, 2020, at 7:30 pm
ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020 – A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE!
While circumstances do not allow us to perform in front of a live audience this year, we are pleased to announce that our June 2020 St. Augustine Music Festival will happen and will be presented online at our scheduled times and scheduled festival dates. Jorge Peña, our Artistic Director, is working diligently at confirming and finalizing our programs, and our team is coordinating to create the best possible experience for the 2020 SAMF season.
Our 2020 theme is Celebration, as we are honoring the 19th Constitutional Amendment by celebrating women composers and performers – including the world-renowned Jennifer Higdon. We are inviting the featured living women composers to join us via online interviews. Plus, we will also be celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
Please save the dates above as more festival details will follow.
• • WHAT’S NEW AT SAMF • •
A NEW DECADE
For the next decade, we’re giving SAMF a new look, new messaging, and some new direction. SAMF will continue to produce, perform, and promote world-class traditional and contemporary classical music to a diverse audience in an accessible, welcoming, and uplifting environment to enhance the quality of life within the community through the inspiring power of music.
NEW LEADERSHIP
Since the close of our successful June 2019 Festival, SAMF has added some new faces and leadership to our Board of Directors. Growing from nine members to fourteen, each new member brings something special to our community. All are passionate and will help our organization grow. Visit our website to view the current SAMF board.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
We are pleased to announce that we are pursuing new collaborations with some amazing regional organizations that will produce new events, new venues, and introduce new people into the SAMF community. We have a tentative event planned in November 2020 with the St. Augustine Art Association to support a French Impressionistic Art Exhibit with French Impressionistic Music. We have also been in discussions on establishing a partnership with the First Coast Opera to combine the resources of both organizations.
NEW GROWTH
SAMF is working to build the size of its Chamber Orchestra. This will help expand the repertoire and diversity of programs that we present to our audience. We plan to invite noted soloists, musicians, and chamber groups to add to our program offerings.
NEW OUTREACH
We are working with the St. Johns County School System to create meaningful outreach music programs for our schools. Antonio Scott, Director of Fine Arts for the county school district, has recently joined our Board of Directors.
In addition, SAMF is looking to expand its audience and reach out to parts of our community that are often underserved. We are working with local, state, and national resources to secure additional funding and grants to help us grow.
• • HELP SAMF GROW • •
SUPPORT THROUGH FUNDRAISING
In order for SAMF to continue to produce, perform, and promote world-class music, we are asking for your generosity and support toward this summer’s “virtual” music festival, and most importantly, look ahead with us as we grow. Our 2020 virtual festival performances will remain true to the SAMF brand, and keep everyone safe at the same time. To ensure this year’s performances, support our musicians, and help move us toward SAMF’s 15th anniversary in 2021. Your loyalty and continued donations are greatly appreciated.
You can contribute online via PayPal or credit card: https://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org/donate/
or via check made payable to The St. Augustine Music Festival, P.O. Box 833, St. Augustine, FL 32085-0833. All donations are tax-deductible,
and our sincerest thank-you to all those who have already donated to SAMF for 2020.
SUPPORT THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
There is an additional way you can support SAMF: become a volunteer! If you’ve enjoyed SAMF and would like to get involved, please visit: https://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org/contact/
SUPPORT THROUGH FEEDBACK
We sincerely ask for your ideas on how to improve the content and format of our concerts. We plan and perform based on the expertise of board members and our Artistic Director, but we can’t possibly know everything! Please send your comments via e-mail: bill.boxer@staugustinemusicfestival.org
You can also communicate with or provide feedback for SAMF through our website: https://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org/contact/
or via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/staugmusicfest/.
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