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Hannah O'Neill, prima ballerina with the Paris Opera Ballet, will perform on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with seven other dancers on the stage of the Ajoe in Lorient as part of the 42nd edition of the Music Festival. Expect moments of grace and elegance that promise to be magical. Interview.
What memories do you have of your visit and performances in 2025?
It was my first time. It's a performance destination that everyone in Paris knows about. Among dancers, it's the gala that everyone wants to do. So I was grateful and excited to come. We were given an extremely warm welcome. The island is magnificent. What's more, coming from another island, New Zealand, I was really touched to find this sense of community, where people know each other.
The show was great. I felt that everyone was very attentive, and there was a real exchange between the audience and the dancers. Dancing outdoors is always wonderful, very enjoyable. We were able to put on an authentic show, mixing what we have been doing at the Paris Opera for a very long time.
Is this mix of very classical scenes and more contemporary ones still on the program this year?
Yes. Yvon Demol is our artistic director. He has put together a well-balanced program of very classical pieces that everyone knows, either through history or music—ballets that come to mind when we think of "classical music"—and more contemporary pieces, new creations. It should be a wonderful evening with something for everyone.
Dancing outdoors is a unique experience. How do you approach it?
It is quite rare, indeed. But it's a very pleasant, very special feeling. The conditions are not always easy for us. Whether it's the weather, the humidity, which can sometimes make the stage slippery, the fact that it's hot or cold... These aren't the usual conditions, but there's something extra, something magical that makes you forget the comforts you're used to. Feeling the wind, the air, touching nature while dancing... You have to adapt, of course, but we're used to it, it's part of our job.
Is it difficult for you to go from the Parisian winter to the Caribbean climate?
Obviously, it's a factor for our bodies. But I have to say that with the heat, for me at least, it's easier! The body is more flexible, and the aches and pains I had accumulated up until December disappear. The only thing that scares me a little is putting on pointe shoes when my feet are swollen! But generally speaking, the hardest part is the travel.
A trip that wasn't easy due to air traffic disruptions (related to the US military attack on Venezuela)?
It was complicated, indeed! But arriving at the port of Saint Barth was like a small victory. I said to myself, "Oh, we're here!" When I saw my dancer friends who had already arrived, I felt like I hadn't seen them in years (laughs). Now we can't wait to share our show with everyone in Saint Barth.
What sets the Saint Barth Music Festival apart from other festivals?
First of all, it's great that it exists. There is a wealth of culture, music, and dance. All of that is so important. I think it's wonderful that people on this island make it accessible to everyone. That we are allowed to share our art and meet new people, which is always enriching for us. And I think the festival adds a little extra magic to the island of Saint Barth. To think that even on a small, remote island, there is an arts festival that has been going on for over forty years, and that it continues, is wonderful.
Tickets are available online on the St. Barth Music Festival website . Tickets are sent by email.
Hannah O'Neill, the ballerina with three cultures
Born in Tokyo, Japan, to a Japanese mother who was passionate about dance and a New Zealand father who was an international rugby player, Hannah O'Neill carries a multitude of cultures within her. After starting dance at the age of three at the Kishibe Ballet Studio in Tokyo, she continued her training at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. At the age of 18, she joined the Paris Opera Ballet. She was promoted to Coryphée in 2014, Sujet in 2015, prima ballerina in 2016, and finally attained the status of Étoile in March 2023. In March 2025, she told Le Figaro: "I need the blend of my three cultures: the magnificent nature of New Zealand, the politeness of Japan, and the cultural effervescence of France."
Three stars to light up Saint Barth
For its 42nd edition, the Music Festival welcomes three étoiles from the Paris Opera Ballet: Hannah O'Neill, Amandine Albisson, and Marc Moreau. They will be accompanied by Letizia Galloni and Daniel Stokes (Sujets) as well as Jennifer Visocchi, Yvon Demol, and Milo Avêque (Coryphées).
Program for the 42nd Music Festival ( January 9-19, 2026)
Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10
7:30 p.m. – on the Ajoe stage, Lorient
Dance evening with dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet. Ticket: $25.
Monday, January 12
6:30 p.m. – Catholic Church, Gustavia
Concert for children. "The Nightingale and the Emperor of China," a tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted and set to music by Kevin Lau. Participation by donation.
Tuesday, January 13
7:30 p.m. - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Candlelight concert
Violin, Cello, Viola, Flute, and Piano Quartet Tickets: €35.
Wednesday, January 14
7:30 p.m. - Lorient Church
Orchestral evening conducted by Delyana Lazarova Tickets: €40.
Thursday, January 15
7:30 p.m. - 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. Tickets: €30.
Friday, January 16
8:00 p.m. - Lorient Church
Opera evening. Madame Butterfly, conducted by Mimma Campanale. Tickets: €50.
Saturday, January 17
7:30 p.m. - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Jazz concert with Angela Grey Quintet. Tickets: €30.
Sunday, January 18
6:00 p.m. - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Jazz concert with Angela Grey Quintet. Tickets: €30.
Monday, January 19
7:30 p.m. - Anglican Church, Gustavia
Brazilian evening with guitarist Will Santt. Tickets: €25.
