Romanza's Collage Concerts: Richard Alston

The Romanza Festivale presents the Romanza's Collage Concert Series on select Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Waterworks. Each of the four performances presents music not typically performed in St. Augustine. Together, these acts form a collage of diverse music.

Richard Alston, Pianist and Music Historian

On February 3, 2024, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., in observance of Black History Month, Richard Alston will perform classical compositions written by African American composers. Mr. Alston is a virtuoso pianist who debuted at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center when he was only 17. From New Jersey, Dr. Alston earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Julliard School of Music. He is an accomplished teacher and performer with music credits that include recitals, live opera, and as a guest soloist with orchestras. More recently, Mr. Alston focused on introducing the works of composers of African American descent. A pianist, lecturer, and piano coach, Dr. Alston intersperses his performances with a lively discussion about the composers. 

Admission: $20.00 per person. For tickets and more information, go here.

When: From 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024

Where: The St. Augustine Waterworks is located at 184 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. See below for directions by vehicle.

Getting There: While the address is 184 San Marco Avenue, the only driveway on San Marco is Exit Only, so it is not available to access the Waterworks. Access to the Waterworks is through the St. Augustine Main Library parking lot, on the opposite side of the complex. (Use 1960 North Ponce de Leon in your GPS.)  

The Entire 2023/24 Series

On October 28, 2023, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., master guitarist Dr. Jonathan Dotson will perform compositions that range from the 1500s through to today, including classical, modern rock, and some original works. From St. Augustine, Jonathan Lee Dotson has earned multiple music degrees in musical arts and guitar performance and has performed on four continents. In addition, Jonathan teaches music at the college level and writes and arranges music for guitar. He will perform music by Alonso Mudarra, J.S. Bach, Django Reinhardt, Journey, his compositions, and other artists.

On November 11, 2023, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Yael Zaza Flamenca, performs the songs of Èdith Piaf and shares stories about the iconic French chanteuse. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Yael has performed worldwide as a solo artist and as the lead singer in several groups or duos. With a French and Israeli heritage and a facility with languages, Yael regularly performs songs from France, Israel, Spain, and South America. Èdith Piaf, the celebrated French singer and songwriter, first sang on the streets of France after WWI. As an acclaimed cabaret and torch singer, she became famous throughout France, the U.S., Europe, and South America. Her most well-known works include “La Vie en Rose,” "Non, je ne Regrette Rein,” and “Padam Padam.” At this concert, Yael Dray will bring the music and life of "The Little Sparrow" to a St. Augustine audience.

On January 27, 2024, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., the On Point a Capella Quartet performs songs in a pop, rock, or Latin American beat — without accompaniment and with outstanding harmonies. This a cappella quartet from Jacksonville was formed in 2025 and has performed across the U.S. and internationally. They sing classic barbershop numbers and a cappella arrangements of more modern songs. Members of the group are Alexander Burney, Timothy Keatley, Daniel Pesante, and Taylor Despars.