On Dec. 11, 2014, world-renowned Spanish music intertwines with St. Augustine history in a performance of the Spanish Brass quintet in the historic swimming pool area of the Lightner Museum located at 75 King St. This free performance is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m.

“Music has been a vibrant part of Lightner Museum’s history since it opened in 1888 by Henry Flagler as the Alcazar Hotel. Flagler, who held music and the arts in high regard, organized concerts and performances regularly during the hotel’s season for guests and members of the community to enjoy. Therefore, bringing this performance to St. Augustine in this environment is very fitting and exciting,” said Lightner Museum Director Robert Harper.

Spanish Brass was created in 1989 by five Spanish musicians as a project that quickly became world renowned for its performances, educational activities and creative collaborations. Spanish Brass has entertained at hundreds of concerts in such prestigious events and venues as the Great American Brass Band Festival, New York Brass Conference, Juilliard School of Music, National Gallery in Washington D.C. and countless others. Spanish Brass has been in the forefront of international music education, teaching courses and classes throughout the world. Members of Spanish Brass currently teach at the Berklee College of Music campus in Valencia and the Universidad Europea in Madrid.

“I am very pleased the City of St. Augustine and the 450th Commemoration are partnering with the Lightner Museum for this spectacular, world-class musical event,” said City of St. Augustine City Manager John Regan. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our community.”

While in St. Augustine, the members of Spanish Brass will visit St. Augustine High School, Sebastian Middle School and THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club as well as other local schools and organizations as part of an ongoing community educational outreach program.

This free performance and community outreach program is made possible by Historic Tours of America, which is financially underwriting the event.

“We are so excited to give a gift for our community to enjoy free of charge, a world-class event in a world-class setting, the Lightner Museum. Our goal is to promote awareness of historic preservation of one of our most treasured buildings by sponsoring an enjoyable holiday evening of fine music,” said Ed Swift, chief operating officer of Historic Tours of America.

This event is sponsored by Historic Tours of America, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District, Beaches Fine Arts Series, Jacksonville Beach, and The Raintree.