FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, February 28th 2018, NY – The French archipelago of Guadeloupe welcomes its first edition of the SAINT-GEORGES International Music Festival from Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4. The festival celebrates the musical heritage of Saint-Georges, a historical Guadeloupean figure of the French Revolution; a series of spectacular classical music and Opera concerts will take place all across the butterfly-shaped islands. Highlights of the festival include “A Night of French Opera” at the Saint Pierre & Saint Paul Cathedral in Pointe-à-Pître, one of Guadeloupe‘s landmarks.
One of the most fascinating and unknown figures of France’s old regime is Joseph Bologne (1745-1799). Bologne was of Guadeloupean descent and better known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He was a virtuoso violinist, conductor and composer who influenced the great composers of his time including Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
A Civil Rights hero and unparalleled fencer, he was the colonel of the famous “Légion Saint-Georges“, the first all black military regiment in Europe. His extraordinary life is a model for excellence and an outstanding example of perseverance and strength in the controversial time when France was torn between Slavery Trade rules and Revolutionary ideals. This tour de force festival rallied around Saint Georges’ musical heritage will be highlighted by outstanding international artists such as opera rising star J’Nai BRIDGES as well as Magali LÉGER, Leila BRÉDENT, Ayesha D’OYLEY, Sami JUNNONEN, Romuald GRIMBERT-BARRÉ, and Gocho PRAKOV.
About Marlon Daniel, artistic and musical director of the Festival
Hailed as the foremost champion of the music of Saint-Georges in the world, Marlon DANIEL is one of the most dynamic conductors of his generation. He has been described as “a natural and enormous talent” (Chicago Sun-Times) and his artistry has been hailed as “fabulous and exceptional” (Pravda – Moscow). Winner of the 2014 John and Mary Virginia Foncannon Conducting Award, he has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in Europe and the United States that range from Carnegie Hall in New York City to the Rudolfinum in Prague and several international music festivals.
“These are exciting times for the Guadeloupe Islands as we could not be more thrilled about launching this festival as a tribute to Chevalier Saint Georges, role model of Excellence and determination. Being the Home of such a Grand Festival reinforces the Guadeloupe Islands as a strong Cultural destination. It is important for Americans to know that we are not only a winter escape destination but also a cultural destination with a fascinating history and St Georges is the perfect illustration of that. We would also like to thank our airlines partners Norwegian Air and Air France for strongly supporting the Festival.” Said Willy Rosier, General Director for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.