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Live audio coming soon!
The Ancient City was commissioned by First Coast Flute Choir directed by Angela Muller and Don Gottlieb.
Steeped in history and legend, The Ancient City is a three-movement work for flute choir inspired by St. Augustine, Florida - the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. Composer Nicole Chamberlain captures the city’s rich narrative through music shaped by exploration, conflict, and growth.
The first movement, The Search, evokes the spirit of early Spanish explorers and the legendary quest for the Fountain of Youth, portraying the wonder of discovery in Florida’s uncharted landscapes.
The second movement, The Defense, reflects St. Augustine’s role as a military stronghold. Anchored by the enduring presence of the Castillo de San Marcos, the music features quotes from the sea shanty “Spanish Ladies”, highlighting the city's maritime and defensive history.
The final movement, The Prosperity, bursts with the energy of the Gilded Age, when Henry Flagler’s influence brought tourism and modernity to St. Augustine. Ragtime rhythms and sounds of trains and early cars celebrate the city’s transformation and enduring vibrancy.
Together, the three movements form a musical tribute to the enduring legacy of The Ancient City.
