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Saint Augustine Community Orchestra
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About SACO . . .
The orchestra was founded in 1961 by Jack Van Brederode who served as conductor for several years. Originally called the St. Augustine Symphonette, the ensemble went through a number of name changes, finally settling on the St. Augustine Community Orchestra (SACO). After Van Brederode’s death, Kenneth Hueninck became conductor followed by David Middleton, William Turnbull, James Peronto, Ramona Peronto, Ira Strauss and, in 1995, current Music Director and Conductor John Bush. Governed by a Board of Directors that establishes policies and handles the business and logistics of operations, SACO established itself as a Florida corporation in May of 1989 and as a 501(c)3 entity with the Internal Revenue Service in August of 2006.
Among the most notable former members was violinist Hugo Ohlms, architect and artist whose murals and colorful decorations still grace the interior of the Basilica Cathedral in St. Augustine. Emil Maestre, internationally known cellist (the Emil Maestre Music Association was named in his honor), played with the ensemble whenever his busy schedule permitted. William Turnbull, a music director in Putnam County Schools, represents one of the longest tenures in the orchestra. Turnbull originally played violin and bass viol whenever needed by SACO. He later became conductor and led the group for many years. Ultimately, he gave up the baton and returned to playing. His leadership and contribution to the orchestra are immeasurable. David Middleton, music teacher at the School for the Blind, served as coordinator during the early years. After Middleton’s death in 1983, orchestra member Jack Page, took the position of business manager for SACO. He later was elected president of the Board of Directors and held both posts until his retirement from the orchestra in 2002. |
 Since its inception, SACO has welcomed requests by local government and civic groups to perform at special functions. Concerts were given at civic events such as Pedro Menendez Day, the traveling Vietnam Memorial ceremony, and graduation ceremonies for the First Coast Technical Institute. In 1964 SACO performed with the St. Johns River Community College singers in their production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” in Palatka, Florida. In addition, the orchestra played in the Little Theater of St. Augustine production of “The Pirates of Penzance”. Later, SACO members played in the orchestra that accompanied Flagler College’s performance of “Man of La Mancha”. Each year, several members play in the orchestra that accompanies the annual presentation of Handel’s “Messiah”. SACO has given performances at retirement homes and churches in St. Johns and the surrounding contiguous counties. Concerts have also been presented at the Jacksonville Landing, the Friday Musicale, the Palatka Community Center and the Palm Coast Amphitheater. SACO was pleased to have been scheduled by the EMMA concert Association to give several concerts at the Flagler College Auditorium and the Flagler College Ballroom. For the past decade, the orchestra has given four concerts a year in the Lightner Museum and has built a strong following among local residents and visitors.
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The orchestra, one of the longest running cultural entities in St. Augustine, numbers about 50 members, all of whom perform on a voluntary basis. As in most volunteer music organizations, the motivation for participation is a love of music and the joy of making music within and via an ensemble. Through the years, the orchestra has provided fun, friendship (even romance), to its members and, under the helm of current Music Director and Conductor John Bush, has undergone increased artistic challenge and membership. In return, the orchestra gives the community of St. Augustine their best musical efforts to packed houses at each concert. The result is the continuing of a fine tradition and an increasingly sophisticated level of performance. |
| To Contact Us . . . |
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For further information, contact |
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S A C O P.O. Box 2163 St. Augustine, FL 32085-2163 |
Supported in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council |
