There’s nothing quite like the musical experience of the opera, and the Classical Delight Foundation is proud to once again bring this experience to life for all in St. Maarten. This year, it is a Summer Classical Concert, featuring artistes from Guadeloupe and St. Maarten. Through a combination of piano, cello and soprano, the performances will have patrons feeling the warm and gentle breezes of the islands, where it always summer.
“Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5” from H. Villalobos is an example of one song that you can look forward to.
“Important for our Foundation and our island is that Ms Shammah Richardson, one of our younger professional pianists, will be making her debut on our Classical Podium here in her home country. We are very proud to be able to offer her this opportunity. We are expecting much support from our people for her,” says Foundation President Bernadine Van Veen-Richardson.
When asked what motivates her to keep organising Classical Delight concerts, Van Veen-Richardson shared: “My enormous love of good music. I love to enjoy an evening of world classical music performed by good and talented performers in company of family and friends. During the more than 20 years organizing Classical Concerts on our island, I have experienced that we are meeting a need for classical music on our island, and we love to continue presenting this experience to our music lovers. We try to bring variety in our concerts, in the musicians from across the world AND in the music! I must mention here that we maintain the entrance fees at a reasonable price, to offer as many as possible the chance to come out and enjoy the music.”
The foundation also focuses on youth outreach and music education. During the last concert in 2024, there was a fantastic music session with school children from two schools and the artistes, where the children asked questions about their education in music. The children got the opportunity to play and sing pieces with the artistes.
This time, there will also be a school performance for several schools on the morning of June 4. This time may be even more engaging and relatable because of the performers being exclusively from the islands. Masterclasses for music students of a certain level are also being organised by the artistes coming in for the wintertime concert. Imagine the impact this may have on their further studies in the musical arts.
The Summer Classical Concert starts at 8:00pm sharp on Thursday, June 4, at Belair Community Center. Tickets cost US $30 (€30 or XCG 54) for adults, US $15 (€15 or XCG 27) for children. Tickets are available for purchase at Pianissimo music school, The Daily Herald, La Vista Hotel, The Mailbox, NIA (National Institute of Arts) in the John Larmonie Center, and from Classical Delight board members Bernadine van Veen (+1 721 520-1030) and Sabine Lans (+1 721 520-3236).
