Liberation International Music Festival 2025

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

St Helier Methodist Church

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!