Liberation International Music Festival 2025

Outreach review

The 2025 Liberation International Music Festival was not only a triumph on stage, but also a powerful example of how music can reach, inspire, and uplift people across all corners of our community. Alongside world-class performances, this year’s festival placed a strong emphasis on outreach and education — ensuring that music was accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The 2025 Liberation Festival line-up this year was as impressive as it was diverse, bringing globally celebrated talent to the island across a range of genres. Catering to all musical tastes, the festival paired its international artist programming with a celebration of local artistic talent in equal measure. The festival was not only a triumph on stage, but also a powerful example of how music can reach, inspire, and uplift people across all corners of our community. Alongside world-class performances, this year’s festival placed a strong emphasis on outreach and education — ensuring that music was accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

On 8th May, the Jersey Chamber Orchestra String Quartet visited 10 schools across the island, delivering free in-school workshops that gave pupils a rare opportunity to experience live classical music in an intimate and interactive setting. These sessions introduced young people to string instruments through hands-on demonstrations, musical games, and Q&A sessions with the musicians — sparking curiosity and creativity in classrooms across Jersey. As well, as local schools, we extended our reach into care homes, thanks to the generous sponsorship of LV Care Group. Over three days, our musicians delivered five uplifting musical sessions in different care settings, bringing joy, nostalgia, and connection to residents. These performances created emotional and meaningful moments for many, particularly those living with memory loss or limited mobility — reminding us all of the power of music to reach people where words sometimes cannot.

On 15th May, the festival welcomed over 500 pupils from local primary and secondary schools to two dynamic and engaging educational concerts of our theatre production, “A Soldier with No Name”. An immersive theatre performance curated and performed by actor Flora MacAngus and a piano trio, the series also highlighted local legend Claude Cahun: a French surrealist artist, trailblazing androgyne of gender politics, and self-proclaimed insurgent rebel against the occupiers of Jersey in World War 2, with the blends of music and Cahun’s words, offering a captivating multi-sensory journey of art and emotion.

The festival also offered high-level opportunities for developing young musicians. A masterclass with internationally renowned soprano Kate Royal gave aspiring vocalists the chance to perform, receive expert feedback, and gain insights into the world of professional opera. This was followed by a lunchtime recital for members of the public, who were captivated by timeless pieces as well as selections from The Sound of Music and beloved operatic arias, creating a recital that was both intimate and inspiring. 

As well as performances, there was also two musical walks and a RIB trip to Granville, which provided a unique opportunity to explore the dramatic event in Notre-Dame de Granville through words and music of those brave escapees from Jersey to France by boat between 1944-1945.

The festival finale were two special performances with grammy award winning Jason Rebello and Radio 2 Broadcaster, Clare Teal at the intimate and historic setting of Hamptonne Museum. With hundreds attending the afternoon show where Clare and her band performances timeless Jazz Classics as well as new pieces, the sun shone down and guests enjoyed their picnic and the electric atmosphere. The final concert in the programme for the festival was a mesmerizing performance by international jazz pianist Jason Rebello who covered everything from Cole Porter to Herbie Hancock, before ending with an arrangement of Paul McCartney’s Blackbird,  the passionate delivery made for a fitting end to an outstanding evening,

The festival's commitment to accessibility was exemplified by three joyful interactive jazz sessions for the children involved in the Music in Action Bursary Programme, held at Rouge Bouillon and d'Auvergne Schools. This specially tailored workshop used rhythm, movement, and improvisation to introduce jazz in a playful and inclusive way, ensuring that even our youngest learners — regardless of background or financial means — were able to experience the wonder of live music.

The festival closed on a high note, having delivered an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and community spirit. From world-class performances and inspiring educational initiatives to heartfelt outreach in schools and care homes, the festival reaffirmed its role as a cultural beacon for Jersey — one that uplifts, connects, and empowers through the universal language of music. With its rich and inclusive programme, the festival not only entertained but also inspired, leaving lasting memories and a renewed sense of togetherness across the island.

Altogether, the 2025 outreach programme reached 1500+ of children, seniors, and young artists — breaking down barriers, nurturing creativity, and reinforcing the idea that music truly is for everyone.

Music in Action is delighted to invite you to the 17th Liberation International Music Festival.

Celebrating our beautiful island of Jersey and its people with music, we find a renewed reason to celebrate and find new meaning in the word “liberation”.

The Festival opens at Jersey Opera House on 9th May to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Day.

Running from 8th May to 18th May there will be someone for all.

The 2025 Liberation Festival offers a feast of music with a theme of escape and reflecting joy through music commemorating the 80th anniversary of Jersey's liberation with an array of captivating musical events.

With a theme of “Escape” and the 80th anniversary, the festival will welcome internationally renowned artists to Jersey. Including a mixture of outdoor concerts and concerts in dramatic locations, the 2025 Jersey International Music Festival truly has something for everyone! Festival artists include celebrated opera star Kate Royal, jazz royalty Clare Teal, Alexander Sitkovetsky and friends from the Lincoln Centre in New York and violinist Harriet Mackenzie playing a new commission - the Liberation Tango concerto.

A new work from Flora MacAngus “The Soldier With No Name” about the life of heroines Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore in the second world war will feature a piano trio of international soloists; experience the sublime artistry and words about this remarkable life.

Local artists featured include Matthew Lombard on saxophone, Jersey Academy of Music Saxophone ensemble, and the Jersey Chamber Choir.

As we look to continue our education and outreach efforts, all ticket sales for this year’s festival will help fund Music in Action’s work in the community.

The 2025 Liberation International Music Festival is made possible by our kind sponsors Amati Law, the Roy Overland Trust and anonymous private donors.

2025 festival imagery generously provided by artist Ian Rolls.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

9th MAY : 5.30-6.30pm and 8-9pm

Liberation Day Concert -
Jersey Opera House

A heart-warming Liberation Day celebration as Music in Action returns to the Jersey Opera House with the famous players of the Philhamonia Orchestra, directed by the internationally acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie. The concerts take you on a vibrant musical journey blending old and new with an exciting Latin American twist.

10th MAY : 7:30pm

Liberation Gala - Jersey Chamber Orchestra & Jersey Chamber Choir
St Helier Methodist Church

A gala night of film music from the second world war in a “Last night of the Proms” style evening celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Jersey. Stars include internationally renowned violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky performing Dvorak’s violin concerto before Dambusters and the Great Escape.

11th MAY : 1:00pm

Rozel Fort Musical Walk

Starting at Rozel Pub

A guided Musical walk around Rozel Bay showcasing the stunning Rozel Fort and surrounds with music by Matthew Lombard, a Liberation choir, and Jersey’s Young Artists of the Year.

13th MAY : 7:30pm

Liberation Chamber Concert

St Helier Parish Church (Town Church)

An extraordinary evening of chamber music with artists from the Lincoln Centre New York. International pianist Wu Qian and friends will perform Dvořák’s great Piano Quintet, Rachmaninov’s passionate Elegiac Piano Trio, and Beethoven’s elegant String Trio in G major.

14th MAY : 1:00pm

Kate Royal - “Moonlight, Love & Dreams” Lunch Recital

St Helier’s Town Hall

Join a lunchtime event with the legendary soprano, Kate Royal, on a musical journey from opera to musical theatre. From Clara Schumann’s delicate poetry to Kurt Weill’s evocative songs and Dvořák’s Song to the Moon, this event promises a rich, moving experience, accompanied by pianist Anna Tilbrook.

15th MAY : 7:30pm

The Soldier with no Name - Theatre Show

Les Quennevais School - Hall

Immersive theatre with the dramatic story of artists Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore and their acts of resistance against the occupiers of Jersey in World War 2.  Featuring actor Flora MacAngus, and a piano trio, the performance blends music and Cahun’s words, offering a captivating multi-sensory journey of art and emotion.

16th MAY : 7:30pm

Quilter Cheviot present ORA Singers: Liberté

St Helier Parish Church (Town Church)

Directed by Suzi Digby OBE, the award-winning ORA Singers perform Liberté, a brand new programme constructed specially to mark the 80th Anniversary of Jersey's liberation from German occupation. This concert is supported by Quilter Cheviot, ORA Singers and Music in Action.

17th MAY : 8:30am

Escape to France Part 2: Gorey to Granville RIB Experience

Gorey Pier - Granville (France)

A unique experience retracing history from Jersey to France! Join fellow WW2 escapees departing Gorey by RIB at 8:30am, time to explore the town, and readings and music in Notre Dame de Granville (11:30am-12:15pm) before returning to Jersey for 1.30pm.

17th MAY : 5:00pm

Musical Walk: Gorey and surroundings

Gorey Pier

Join us for a unique Guided Musical Walk through Gorey, led by internationally renowned violinist Harriet Mackenzie and friends. Blending live music, storytelling, and local charm, this immersive journey explores the idea of escape—through sound, landscape, and history.

18th MAY : 12:30pm

Jazz at Hamptonne

Hamptonne Country Life Museum

Great jazz and family fun with Clare Teal and her band at Hamptonne.  Clare is one of the most celebrated jazz and swing singers, BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, and recording artist with 14 albums. Enjoy timeless jazz classics and new arrangements in a stunning setting. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance in Jersey!

Don’t miss this unforgettable performance in one of Jersey’s most beautiful venues. Bring your family, picnic, relax, and enjoy world-class music!