Festival de Musique de Saint Barthélémy – Saint Barts Music Festival
Mission & Vision
The Saint Barts Music Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing and promoting classical music on the beautiful, small Caribbean island of Saint Barts. Founded in 1984 by an American violinist who was a resident of the island, the festival began with a handful of musicians performing a few concerts. Over the years, it has grown into an internationally renowned cultural event. By bringing together world-class musicians and dancers, the festival also aims to promote music and dance education for all, especially young people. The Saint Barts Music Festival envisions a world where the transformative power of classical music and dance transcends borders, enriching lives and inspiring future generations on this small island and beyond.
Actions Led
The Saint Barts Music Festival is dedicated to the promotion of classical music through its annual event, which spans approximately 15 days and features nearly 60 artists. This festival brings together internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, opera singers, and conductors from around the globe to present a series of seven concerts and two dance performances, showcasing the full spectrum of classical music and dance. The festival offers a rich and diverse cultural experience to its audience.
Beyond concerts, the festival partners with local authorities to conduct workshops in schools and other institutions, raising awareness among local youth and promoting classical music and dance education. These initiatives provide young musicians and dancers with opportunities to learn, improve their skills, perform in front of an audience, and receive guidance from renowned experts.
The festival also champions the role of women in classical music, addressing the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. While women constitute only 6% of orchestra conductors and 32% of performers, the Saint Barts Music Festival is committed to promoting female conductors and solo musicians, regularly inviting them to take on leadership roles. This initiative adds a modern and inspiring dimension to the performances.
See and hear the power of the Saint Barts Musical Festival for yourself by watching this short film!
Projects that US Donors Can Support
U.S.-based donors have the opportunity to support this one-of-a-kind celebration of classical music by making tax-deductible donations to impactful initiatives. These include:
Producing and promoting music on the island: the organization works to put on exceptional performances on Saint Barts every year and help audiences connect with classical music and dance.
Supporting music and dance education: the organization also seeks to ensure that the children of Saint Barts have access to music education. By partnering with local schools and educational establishments, the organization helps promote learning in dance and music.
By supporting the Saint Barts Music Festival, you are joining a community dedicated to keeping the spirit of music alive for generations to come in beautiful Saint Barts.