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A promise of grace, elevation and intense emotion. Once again this year, for its 42nd edition, the Saint-Barth Music Festival invites the island's public to let themselves be carried away by the notes and subtle, intoxicating chords of internationally renowned artists. Dancers, musicians, conductors and opera singers will perform for ten days, from January 9 to 19, on the Ajoe plateau as well as in Gustavia's Anglican church and in the Catholic churches of Lorient and Gustavia.
The Saint-Barthélemy Music Festival is much more than an artistic event," says Corinne Hennequin, President of the Festival Association. It's a great cultural moment for our island, an eagerly awaited rendezvous where harmony between different audiences, generations and sensibilities is celebrated. "In fact, spectators, both informed and uninformed, will have a wide range of artists and talents at their disposal to satisfy their taste for the arts. "The Festival is a celebration of soul and beauty," insists Corinne Hennequin.
On stage and in schools
The success of the event is such that foreign tourists only book their stay in Saint-Barth once they have been informed of the Festival's dates. This loyalty also demonstrates the extreme quality of the guest artists, whose excellence opens the doors to the world's most prestigious concert halls and opera houses all year round. "What an opportunity for our island! What an incredible opportunity for our children, who enjoy performances in schools and have the privilege of attending rehearsals for an educational approach to instruments and artists. "Because, yes, the guest virtuosos don't just perform on stage. They also go out to meet the young.
For this 42nd edition, Corinne Hennequin and the volunteers who support and accompany her every step of the way have once again called on the services of highly talented artists. Above all, they managed to convince her to sacrifice a week from their busy annual schedule. Like every year, they also had to scramble to find the funds needed to organize such a high-season event locally. The crux of the "war" being the same every year: finding decent accommodation for the guests.
Partners and sponsors
To achieve this, Corinne Hennequin and the members of the association were able to count on their partners, both loyal and new. Whether "private" (hotels, shops, businesses, etc.) or institutional (local authorities, prefecture), they all contribute in their own way to keeping alive the island's oldest cultural event. The Festival also relies on generous donors who provide invaluable support every year. And let's not forget the private individuals who are friends of the Festival, providing accommodation, helping out and participating in one way or another.
The dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, who will have the privilege of opening the Festival on January 9 and 10 on the Ajoe stage in Lorient.
A star-studded program
Like last year, dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet will have the privilege of opening the festival on January 9 and 10 on the Ajoe plateau in Lorient. Three stars will be taking part: Amandine Albisson, Hannah O'Neill and Marc Moreau. They will be accompanied by Letizia Galloni and Daniel Stokes (Subjects) as well as Jennifer Visocchi, Milo Avêque and Yvon Demol (Coryphées). An enchantment of grace in prospect.
In the 2025 edition, the tale of "Peter and the Wolf" was presented to children (young and old...). This year, "The Nightingale and the Chinese Emperor" will be performed on Monday January 12 in Gustavia's Catholic church. Handersen's tale, adapted and set to music by Kevin Lau, is set to be one of the highlights of the Festival. And not just for children. However, the public will still have plenty of opportunities to marvel.
At the candlelight concert in Gustavia's Anglican Church, for example. On January 13, violins will take center stage with musicians Chris Wu, Laura Frautschi, Nora Chastain, Brian Lewis, Maureen Nelson, Sandy Yamamoto, Tereza Stanislav, Jennifer Frautschi and Kobi Malkin, all in an intimate setting. A unique event.
Then there's the orchestral evening on January 14, with 40 musicians led by conductor Molly Turner. They will perform works by promising young composers such as Sergei Prokofiev, Astor Piazzola, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig Van Beethoven.
In the mood for sweetness and profound uplift? The Chopin evening is the obvious choice on January 15. With pianist Alexej Gorlatch, Laura Fraustchi and Christopher Wu on violins, Francis Gouton on cello, Nina Bernat on double bass and Rebecca Young on viola.
Others will undoubtedly wait for the opera evening (January 16) to immerse themselves in the world of "Madame Butterfly" under the direction of conductor Mimma Campanale.
And for those with a taste for less "classical" rhythms, the Festival offers two jazz evenings with Angela Grey's quintet. An artist "who doesn't go for half measures", warn the organizers!
Finally, there's yet another universe to discover: that of Brazilian guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer Will Santt. He will close the Festival on Monday, January 19, with his bossa novissima tunes. "A breath of fresh air", like the one breathed into the Festival every year.
Tickets can be purchased online from the St Barth Music Festival website, and sent by e-mail.
Program for the 42nd Music Festival (January 9 -19, 2026)
Friday January 9 and Saturday January 10
7:30pm - on the Ajoe stage, Lorient
Dance evening with dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet. Ticket: 25 euros.
Monday, January 12th
6:30pm - Catholic Church, Gustavia
Concert for children. "The Nightingale and the Chinese Emperor", tale written by Hans Cristian Handerse d'Andersen, adapted and set to music by Kevin Lau . Participation by donation.
Tuesday January 13th
7:30pm - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Concert by candlelight
Quartet of violins, cello, viola, flute and piano Ticket: 35 euros.
Wednesday January 14th
7:30pm - Lorient church
Orchestral evening under the direction of conductor Delyana Lazarova Ticket: 40 euros.
Thursday, January 15th
7:30pm - Catholic Church, Gustavia
Piano recital, Chopin evening. With pianist Alexej Gorlatch, Laura Fraustchi and Christopher Wu on violins, Francis Gouton on cello, Nina Bernat on double bass and Rebecca Young on viola. Ticket price: 30 euros.
Friday January 16th
8pm - Lorient Church
Opera evening. "Madame Butterfly", under the direction of conductor Mimma Campanale. Ticket price: 50 euros.
Saturday January 17th
7:30pm - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Jazz concert with Angela Grey Quintet. Ticket price: 30 euros.
Sunday, January 18th
6pm - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Jazz concert with Angela Grey Quintet. Ticket price: 30 euros.
Monday January 19th
7:30pm - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Brazilian evening with guitarist Will Santt. Ticket price: 25 euros.
