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Jazz, opera and ballet stars will be joining Jersey artistes this May for what promises to be one of the biggest musical celebrations the Island has ever seen.
Jazz pianist Joe Stilgoe, Dame Felicity Lott and the principals of the Royal Ballet are among over twenty internationally acclaimed artists coming to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Island’s liberation from occupation.
The eighth Liberation International Music Festival, organised by local charity Music in Action, runs for 12 days this year from 3 to 15 May, exploring the story of occupation and featuring letters that have never been heard before.
Festival Chairman James Mews said: “The exciting programme speaks to us of passion and revolution, looking at the dark times and above all celebration.
“I am very excited about the festival for the island from the popular events such as Jazz at Hamptonne with the jazz star Joe Stilgoe or the Band of the Royal Marines to masterworks from the chamber music and singing repertoire on 13th May including Dame Felicity Lott and the Stars from the Royal Ballet.
“The Festival will be filled with the Music of dreams from love to the joy of celebrations and whatever you like is sure to be satisfied by the 8th international festival.”
More than 3000 performers have appeared in concerts at the Island’s heritage sites and traditional performance venues since the Festival first started back in 2009.
Here are some of the Festival Highlights:
Tuesday 3rd May 2016 – Band of the Royal Marines – Jersey Opera House
Acknowledged as one of the world’s most exciting bands with a versatility and accomplished sound second to none, the band perform stirring melodies from Hearts of Oak to I vow to thee my country.
Saturday 7th May 2016 – Ballet Gala: Stars of the Royal Ballet – Fort Regent
Stars from the Royal Ballet Lauren Cuthbertson and Eric Underwood and future stars from the Royal Ballet School entertain with your favourite ballet solos and duets in this evening of famous ballet dance and music alongside international soloists Harriet Mackenzie and Milos Milivojevic. Including scenes from Romeo and Juliet, the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake this evening is set to dazzle and amaze ballet fans. As well as the main stars there will be dances provided by some of Jersey's own dance students in the ballet de corps.
Sunday 8th May 2016 - Carmen with the Jersey Chamber Orchestra - Jersey Opera House
Taste the fruits of France with Bizet's evocative Carmen Suite No 1, a virtuosic violin concerto by Saint-Saëns (no.3), and Beethoven's revolutionary 'Eroica' Symphony initially dedicated to Napoleon before Beethoven angrily tore up the script on hearing of Napoleon becoming Emperor.
All three works of art are linked to the themes of liberation. Directed by the Kapelmeister of the Berlin Deutsche Opera, Daniel Cohen, the soloist in the Saint-Saëns' violin concerto is Russian international superstar Boris Brovtsyn.
Monday 9th May 2016 – Musical Walk and Liberation Choral Concert – St Ouen’s Manor and Church - Walk from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Concert at 6:00pm
Musical Walk
Enjoy a walk around St Ouen's Manor on Jersey's West coast guided by a member of the de Cateret family exploring Jersey's wartime fortifications, the beautiful countryside and the history of the Manor in the war while being serenaded by violinist Harriet Mackenzie, accordionist Milos Milivojevic and the Liberation Vocal Consort.
Liberation Celebration Concert
The Liberation Vocal Consort conducted by Graham Caldbeck perform an enlightening and reflective choral programme featuring composers through the ages and evoking Liberation sentiments - the faith and hope needed during the dark times before turning to forgiveness, reconciliation, celebration & reflection. This unique and ultimately joyful programme will be one of the choral highlights of the year.
Wednesday 11th May 2016 - Musical Velocity at Mansell Collection
Nigel Mansell's collection of Formula 1 cars and trophies sets the scene for a concert of musical virtuosity and velocity featuring the ensemble ZRI called- 'Brahms and the Gypsy'. ZRI is the name of the historic Red Hedgehog cafe where Brahms and friends cut their teeth with feats of musical daring and the event features the refinement of the classical concert stage mixed with tavern grit and gypsy flair.
In addition to this electrifying music, relive Nigel Mansell's battle to become one of the world's greatest racing drivers with magnificent pictures, exciting video footage and take advantage of the opportunity to see his collection of trophies and racing cars which will be on display too!
Friday 13th May 2016 - Dame Felicity Lott & Friends at Jersey Arts Centre
A unique opportunity to hear three of the country's most eminent and celebrated stars performing a stunning programme. One of the greatest opera stars, Dame Felicity Lott brings her friends includes world renowned clarinettist Michael Collins performing Schubert's emotional mini-opera, Shepherd on the Rock, operatic songs from Rossini to Verdi, as well as comic songs by Coward. This intimate event combines the musical prowess of some of Britain's most admired soloists for a very special evening of exquisite vocal and chamber music. A pre-concert event sees Dame Felicity Lott talking about her extraordinary career at 7:00pm.
Sunday 15th May 2016 – Jazz at Hamptonne
The creative genius Joe Stilgoe called variously “breathtaking”, “an extraordinary musician” and lauded will many accolades makes a welcome return to the Festival. A legendary singer, songwriter, and all round entertainer, Joe headlines “Jazz at Hamptonne” which returns to the Liberation Music Festival on Sunday the 15th of May to headline the afternoon’s line-up.
Joe is among the most gifted living singers to come out of Britain winning multiple awards and presenting regularly on radio and TV with the BBC. After the sell-out success of the event last year, the Liberation Festival is particularly pleased to return to the Hamptonne for what will be another memorable day of great music set amidst the historic 17th and 18th century buildings.
You can get tickets for the Festival from Jersey Opera House on 511115, from Fort Regent on 449827 for the Ballet stars, or the Jersey Arts Centre on 700444 for Dame Felicity Lott or through the Festival's website here.
(Picture credit: Trevor Leighton)
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