Water Island Music Festival: Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Excellence

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.