This weekend, the Water Island Music Festival returns for its highly anticipated 20th anniversary, bringing two unforgettable nights of music to St. Thomas. Held at the Prior Jollek Hall at Antilles School, this iconic event, curated by artistic director and pianist Julian Gargiulo, promises an extraordinary blend of classical and improvisational music featuring some of the world’s most talented emerging and established artists.
The Water Island Music Festival has become a cornerstone of the territory’s musical scene since its inception in the early 2000s. What began as a vision to enrich local arts has evolved into a premiere event that draws music lovers and performers from across the globe. The festival, now hosted by The Forum, has showcased an eclectic mix of genres and performances, consistently delivering top-tier music and creating an invaluable space for both local and international artists to share their work.
This year, the festival’s artistic direction remains firmly in the hands of Gargiulo, a pianist renowned for his dynamic performances and his commitment to bringing classical music to new and diverse audiences. Gargiulo is known for bringing together a unique blend of musicians, and each year, the festival features up to 10 artists who explore the worlds of classical, contemporary, and improvisational music. The festival also highlights winners from The World’s Biggest Stage Competition (formerly Getting to Carnegie Competition), a testament to Gargiulo’s dedication to nurturing rising stars in the music world.
One of the most highly anticipated performances this year will be from Anastasiia Sidorova, an exceptional mezzo-soprano whose powerful voice has earned her critical acclaim. Recently hailed as a “rising star” by Opera News, Sidorova’s career has taken her to some of the most prestigious stages in the world. A recent graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Sidorova’s emotive and technically flawless performances have already captured the attention of audiences at the Verbier and Ravinia Festivals. This season, she’s performed lead roles, including Polinesso in Handel’s Ariodante, with the Baroque Orchestra Tempesta di Mare, and captivated viewers in her film roles as Sesto in MERCY and Madame Flora in The Medium.
Sidorova’s artistry is a perfect blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, making her one of the most sought-after mezzo-sopranos of her generation. Her performance at this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, one that will surely leave the audience in awe.
Also gracing the stage is the internationally celebrated pianist Maria Yefimova. Born and raised in Russia, Yefimova’s journey to musical acclaim took her from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory to the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a master’s and doctorate of musical arts degrees. Known for her passionate performances, particularly of Chopin, Yefimova has captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall and other world-renowned venues. Critics have praised her for her ability to bring both energy and emotional depth to her music, and her performance at the Water Island Festival will undoubtedly be a highlight of the weekend.
The festival is made possible through the Virgin Islands Special Presenter Initiative program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Event Details:
- Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
Courtyard Opens: 6 p.m.
Concert Starts: 7 p.m. - Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Courtyard Opens: 4 p.m.
Concert Starts: 5 p.m.
Ticket Pricing (at the door or online here):
- $30 – Adults
- $10 – Teachers
- $5 – Students
- Free for Children under 12 (a ticket is required for their seat)
