About Us
The EMMA Concert Association brings a variety of classical concerts and events to St. Augustine throughout the year. From the Gainesville Orchestra to the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, we offer a variety of musical selections for every age range.
Our History
“EMMA has always been a nonprofit all-volunteer organization with a mission to produce quality music and dance performances at modest ticket prices.”
Although EMMA has been doing business for years as the EMMA Concert Association, the organization’s original name was Emil Maestre Music Association. Started by a small group of music lovers, among them Frieda Bringmann and Irene and Peter Allemano in April 1979, the organization was named after a famous Spanish cellist, Emil Maestre, who retired to St. Augustine. EMMA was incorporated in September of the same year.
EMMA has always been a nonprofit all-volunteer organization with a mission to produce quality music and dance performances at modest ticket prices. Since then the organization has lived up to this commitment and never failed. The volunteers serving on the EMMA board of Directors change as times goes by, but they all embrace the work with the same enthusiasm and spirit of accomplishment that bonds the group together.
Location
“In 1993 EMMA found a permanent place for its performances at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College”
Originally EMMA Concert Association held concerts in many different places in St. Augustine including the Lightner Museum, the Presbyterian Church, Kirk Auditorium (The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind), the Episcopal Church and the Riverview Club; it was not until 1993 that EMMA found a permanent place for its performances. After forming a partnership with Flagler College, the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College has become EMMA’s home for all musical concerts and events.
For the 2025-26 concert season, EMMA will be offering five performances featuring a variety of local, national, and international orchestras. These performances also count as co-curricular events for students of Flagler College.
EMMA Board of Directors
OFFICERS:
President — Joanne Everett
Vice President & Grants Manager — Philip Garces
Secretary — John Nolton
Treasurer — Jay Grossman
BOARD COMMITTEES:
Advisory Committee Chair — Linda Bond
Endowment Fund & Programming Committee — Mark MacGregor
Contracts —Carl Liberatore
Programming — Barbara MacGregor
Hospitality, Programming Committee & Annual Cruise Fundraiser — Linda Bartimus
Grants — Philip Garces
House Manager & Schools Outreach Co-Chair — Kathryn Trillas
Schools & Community Outreach Chair — Tommy Bledsoe
Scholarships — Joanne Everett
Painted Violin Project & Surveys — Jean Taliaferro
Sponsorship — Maria Montoya
Tickets and Subscriptions — Managed by Guild members Judy and Mike Fegen
Ticketing & Head of Concert On-site Management — Larry Yunker
Words and Music — Joanne Everett
BUSINESS
Financial Advisors — Thompson Baker
Insurance — Herbie Wiles, Inc
Box Office Manager — Elisa Gonzalez
Marketing, Social Media and Advertising — Renee Unsworth, Totally St. Augustine
EMMA GUILD OFFICERS
Board Representative — Helen Smith
Secretary — Eileen Chrzanowski
Treasurer — Marian Patrick