Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe – The vibrant archipelago of Guadeloupe is set to transform into a global hub for classical music and cultural exploration with the return of the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges from November 15 to 23, 2025. This highly anticipated event marks a significant celebration, coinciding with the 280th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a pivotal figure born in Guadeloupe whose contributions to classical music were long overlooked.
This year’s festival, under the artistic direction of Maestro Marlon Daniel, is poised to be an “historic edition,” drawing renowned international artists and offering a rich tapestry of performances, educational programs, and cultural dialogues. The festival aims not only to honor Bologne’s legacy but also to promote diversity within the classical music world and highlight Guadeloupe’s profound cultural heritage on the global stage.
A Tribute to a Guadeloupean Maestro
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, born in 1745, was a true polymath of the 18th century – a virtuoso violinist, composer, conductor, and fencer, who also served as a military leader. Despite his prodigious talents and influence on contemporaries like Mozart and Haydn, his work and life were largely marginalized for centuries due to social and racial biases. The Festival Saint-Georges is dedicated to rectifying this historical oversight, positioning Bologne at the heart of both Caribbean and European musical history.
A Journey Through Guadeloupe’s Cultural Landscape
The festival’s programming spans across multiple key locations within Guadeloupe, offering attendees a unique blend of destination discovery and artistic immersion. This year’s event will feature a variety of venues, from the historical to the contemporary, showcasing the diverse beauty and rich history of the French-Caribbean islands.
Key Dates and Locations for the 2025 Festival:
* November 15: The festival kicks off with an opening concert, “L’Héritage du Chevalier de Saint-Georges,” at the Guadeloupe-Maryse Condé International Airport in Les Abymes. This symbolic location emphasizes the universal reach of Bologne’s music, featuring composers such as Jessie Montgomery, William Grant Still, Thierry Pécou, and Trevor Weston, with storyteller Firmine Richard.
* November 16: A performance is scheduled at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Guadeloupe in Basse-Terre.
* November 17: Les Abymes hosts “Sur les traces de Nanon” at the CineStar Multiplex, combining music with dialogues involving artists and moderators, offering an accessible urban cultural experience.
* November 18: The historic Church of Saint-Joseph in Vieux-Habitants will feature “Les talents virtuoses du festival,” highlighting the serene beauty of the west coast alongside masterful musical performances by a brass quintet and other selected musicians.
* November 19: L’ARTCHIPEL – Scène nationale de la Guadeloupe will present a full-scale opera performance of “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo, featuring the festival orchestra and choir.
Showcasing Virtuosity and Emerging Talent
A significant highlight of the 2025 festival is the inaugural Joseph Bologne International Violin Competition, taking place from November 20 to 22 at the Mémorial ACTe in Les Abymes. This prestigious competition aims to discover and promote emerging violinists from around the globe, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and a substantial prize of 20,000 euros. The competition honors Bologne’s own mastery as a violinist.
Furthermore, the festival emphasizes educational programming, including master classes, workshops, and lectures designed to engage young musicians and foster a deeper understanding of music’s connection to history and society. This commitment to transmission ensures that the festival not only celebrates established artists but also cultivates the next generation of musical talent.
A Culmination of Caribbean Rhythms and Global Classics
The festival’s grand finale is scheduled for November 23 at the Hall Paul Chonchon in Pointe-à-Pitre. Titled “Chants du Nouveau Monde,” this closing concert will feature an orchestral and vocal performance, including Antonín Dvořák’s renowned Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” This program serves as a powerful echo of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ own journeys and multifaceted identity, blending global influences with the unique spirit of the Caribbean.
With its diverse program, commitment to cultural heritage, and focus on artistic excellence, the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges solidifies Guadeloupe’s position as a leading destination for world-class entertainment and a significant contributor to the global classical music scene. This event promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, making it a must-attend piece of news for anyone interested in the arts and the vibrant Caribbean.