Album Notes

Journey through time with these melodies, chosen to reflect the diverse cultures that make St. Augustine unique. Music has echoed in our streets for over 400 years. Come and listen while the harp carries you through history.

The Nation’s Oldest City has welcomed many cultures. These melodies travel across over 400 years of history from the Spanish arrival in 1565 through the changing fortunes of wars, emigration, Emancipation, and rebirth to the city of today. This collection is dedicated to all who have been, are now, and will be a part of St. Augustine or simply visit - Spanish, English, Scottish, Minorcan, Irish, African-American, Rebel and Yankee, Old Timer and Newcomer.

With performing interests that range from Gregorian chant to ambient instrumentals, Mary Jane Ballou combines her classical training in organ and piano with a taste for musical exploration on the harp and salterio. Her recent Christmas album, At Midnight in Bethlehem, ranged from traditional carols to an Iraqi hymn and a Chinese lullaby. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, Mary Jane divides her time between performing, recording and teaching. In addition to her solo work, she is the founder and director of the St. Augustine Schola Cantorae and the host of “The Classical Fan Club,” a weekly radio show on WFCF-FM featuring the best in very early and very new music.