"Voices of Freedom: American Music for Juneteenth"

The St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) presents the annual Juneteenth concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cathedral Basilica in historic downtown, from 7:30 to 9:40 p.m.

The Juneteenth Concert

Celebrating America's history and cultural memory, the St. Augustine Chamber Orchestra and baritone Robert Simms offer a program honoring Juneteenth, including music by Aaron Copland, Lena Johnson McLin, and Jessie Montgomery. The spirituals, American songs, and orchestral compositions combine to present an evening recognizing America's resilience, freedom, hope, and remembrance. 

Baritone Jorge Peña conducts the orchestra for this sixth annual Juneteenth concert. 

Robert Sims has performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He has extensive operatic credits, including roles in La Traviata and Porgy and Bess, and sang the leading baritone role in The James Baldwin Chronicles at the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project.

Event Details

Admission: Free. Reserve a seat in advance and learn more here.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

The Program

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

St. Augustine Music Festival

This is the traditional opening evening for the annual St. Augustine Music Festival. To see the rest of the performances, go here.