Al Fresco Concert at the Weighbridge

Wednesday 9th May, 1pm

A selection of the international soloists perform a programme of well known waltzes and tangos at the Weighbridge - the location where the liberating forces landed.

This celebration of Liberation forms part of a larger concert of wartime music provided by Jersey Tourism.

Liberation Celebration, Jersey Opera House

Michael Collins and Friends – Recorded for Broadcast by BBC Radio

Wednesday 9th May, 8pm

Programme:

Dvorak - Piano Quintet
Mozart - Clarinet Quintet 
English Folksongs for Soprano and Piano Quintet

Artists performing include Michael Collins (clarinet), Philip Dukes (viola), Guy Johnston (cello) Wu Qian (piano), Alexander Sitkovetsky (violin) Alexandra Soumm (violin), Laura Wright (soprano),

A Gala Celebration of Jersey's Liberation featuring seven major international soloists performing in an evening of wonderful, passionate music. This concert is being recorded for BBC broadcast.

7pm A pre-concert talk features some of the artists

Fanfare in the Royal Square

Thurs 10th May, 1:15pm

Jersey Premier Brass will perform works including a specially commissioned Fanfare and Chorale by James Francis Brown celebrating the Polish 307 Air Squadron who helped to liberate Jersey. The historic square is the site of the last land battle on British soil, where twenty-four year old Major Peirson died defending Jersey from the attacking French forces in 1781.

Meet up with friends and family, soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy a steaming cup of lunchtime soup.

The Pianist, Film Night at Jersey Opera House

Thurs 10th May, 8pm

A full screening of the haunting multiple-award winning film, The Pianist, an adaptation of the autobiography of Jewish-Polish musician Władysław Szpilman. The film won three Academy Awards, the BAFTA Award for Best Film and was awarded the Palme D'Or at Cannes.

7pm A pre-screening event will feature a performance by international pianist Wu Qian of works by Chopin and other music from the film as well as discussions with the producer and cast members.

7pm Pre-screening event, including Wu Qian with a live performance of highlights from the film score

Liberation Reflection, Noirmont Command Bunker

Friday 11th May, 1.00pm until 1.50pm

The Performers include:

Alexander Sitkovetsky - Violin  
Harriet Mackenzie - Violin
Jennifer Stumm - Viola
Guy Johnston - Cello 

Dramatic poems and readings about Jersey's occupation are interwoven with a rare performance of Gorecki's extraordinary and brooding String Quartet No 2, played deep underground in one of the best preserved German Naval Command Bunkers. The event will also feature four short compositions from local young students at the Jersey Academy of Music. A time to reflect; a unique experience not to be missed.

PLEASE NOTE: This venue is accessed via a large number of steps and may not suitable for people with mobility impairment.

Mozart Requiem at St Thomas Church, St Helier

Friday 11th May, 8pm

International soloists, choristers and musicians perform one of Mozart's best-loved and most enduring choral masterpieces; the promise of a unique and moving musical experience in the most beautiful of church settings.

Educational Music Workshops at the Jersey Academy of Music

Saturday 12th May, 10am until 12 noon

The ever popular educational programme featuring young musicians being taught and inspired by the Festival's star soloists in a series of workshops and master classes. Come and watch, learn and enjoy listening to their insights, concluding with a short concert.

Warsaw Uprising at Mont Orgueil Castle

Saturday 12th May, 3pm (optional walk commences at 11am)

The Performers:
Retorica Duo
Harriet Mackenzie and Philippa Mo

A pre-concert guided walk through Jersey's countryside exploring Jersey's Polish connection and the use of hundreds of Polish forced labourers during the Second World War to build fortifications along the North Coast.

The concert which follows takes place in the atmospheric keep at Mont Orgueil Castle, itself used to garrison German officers. It reflects themes of redemption and hope after the bitter events of the Warsaw Uprising and explores the poems of the Nobel winning poet laureate Czeslaw Milosz set to music.

The guided walk (not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs) commences at St Catherine's Breakwater at 11am and ends at Castle Green at 1pm to allow walkers time for lunch before the concert commences.

PLEASE NOTE: This venue has a large number of steps and may not suitable for people with mobility impairment.

Liberation Gala Concert at the Opera House

Saturday 12th May, 8pm

A glittering Gala concert to celebrate the Liberation of Jersey, featuring Chopin's expressive and virtuosic Second Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Florentine masterpiece.

7pm Pre-concert Event

Performance platform for students from the Jersey Academy of Music.

Jazz at Hamptonne

Performers: Joe Stilgoe and his Jazz Trio
Brian White Quartet

Sunday 13th May, 1-4pm

Now established as a firm favourite in the calendar for picnicking families and jazz enthusiasts alike, the beautiful heritage site at Hamptonne once again plays host to a multiple award winning jazz performer. Joe Stilgoe's Trio and Brian White's Quartet will while away the afternoon with a selection of popular jazz classics and original numbers performed in characteristic foot-tapping fashion. Book early to avoid disappointment.

An Evening of Music and Dance at Fort Regent

with Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing & guest stars

Sunday 13th May, 8pm

A spectacular evening of music and dance hosted by BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing stars, Anton and Erin. The wonderful melodies of Cole Porter, Gershwin and others will be performed live by Joe Stilgoe and his band and interpreted by the Strictly stars and friends through a variety of dance styles. An evening not to be missed.