Cayman Arts Festival is set to deliver a host of musical delights to local audiences from 6-15 Feb. at various locations across the islands, covering a diverse lineup of genres including jazz, classical, African traditional music, Western classical, cabaret, reggae and gospel.
Cayman Arts Festival launched in February 2004 as a biennial event and, after 21 years, has grown into an annual event, seeing exceptional performances from local and international singers, choirs and musicians, showcasing unique performances that appeal to all ages.
“We’re thrilled to present another exciting festival this year, showcasing a perfect blend of local and international talent,” Marius Gaina, executive director for CAF told the Cayman Compass.
Among this year’s performances is a gospel concert featuring BBC producer Mark De-Lisser and his MDL singers from London accompanied by the First Baptist Church Choir on 14 Feb. at the First Baptist Church.
The highly acclaimed vocal coach and musical director is best known for his vocal arrangement of ‘Stand by Me’ for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which was seen across the world and garnered more than 22 million views on YouTube.
The MDL singers, formerly ACM Gospel Choir, are a multi-award-winning ensemble, renowned for high-energy performances and high-profile collaborations with music legends including Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Diana Ross at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert in 2022, and Take That at the King’s Coronation Concert in 2023.
De-Lisser has also been involved as host and presenter of television programmes including The Masked Singer, The Voice UK, Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure, and Queen of the Universe.
Gaina said there are also highly anticipated performances from young Caymanian musicians in store.
“Two of our after-school alumni are taking the spotlight—Beneil Miller, who’s bringing an entire jazz and reggae orchestra on stage with him, and Dequan Smith, performing alongside the CAF Youth Camerata and acclaimed violinist Irina Muresanu.
“For fans of world-class performances, we’re offering The African Series, featuring the vibrant sounds of African music, and the renowned Sacconi Quartet, elevating string music to new heights,” Gaina said.
“Speaking of choirs, the Cayman Youth Choir will also have the privilege of singing on stage with Broadway singers from New York in a spectacular collaboration. Honestly, it’s hard to recommend just one event — every performance promises to be unforgettable. Whichever you choose, you’ll witness something extraordinary!”
Full schedule of events
The African Series concert featuring Rebeca Omordia, Leon Bosch, Glen Inanga, and Richard Olatunde Baker
Thursday, 6 Feb. at 7pm
Harquail Theatre
Described as “exhilarating brilliance and kaleidoscopic variety” by The Independent, the African Concert Series has established itself as one of London’s main concert platforms. The series programme is designed to take the audience on a musical journey across the African continent, reflecting the depth and diversity of African art music, the richly diverse genre of music which builds a bridge between Western classical music and African traditional music.
Sacconi Quartet
Saturday, 8 Feb. at 7pm
Harquail Theatre
For over two decades, the Sacconi Quartet have been captivating audiences with their unanimous and compelling ensemble, consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. Formed in 2001, the four founding members share an unwavering passion for the string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm. The Sacconis enjoy a busy international career, performing regularly across the world, at Europe’s major venues, in recordings and on radio broadcasts. The group is the Quartet in Association at the Royal College of Music and Quartet in Residence for the town of Folkestone. Unchanged since its inception, Sacconi is Britain’s longest-established string quartet.
Cayman Youth Choir and New York Cabaret
Sunday, 9 Feb. at 7pm
Harquail Theatre
A highlight of the 2025 Cayman Arts Festival is the exciting collaboration between the talented children of the Cayman Youth Choir and acclaimed Broadway performers from New York, including KT Sullivan, Natalie Douglas, Jon Weber, Arbender Robinson, and Carole J. Bufford. This unique fusion of local talent with Broadway stars promises an unforgettable experience for the audience, blending youthful energy with seasoned artistry. Some of these Broadway luminaries are no strangers to Cayman audiences, having delivered exceptional performances in the past, and their return is eagerly anticipated.
CAF Youth Camerata with Dequan Smith and Irina Muresanu
Thursday, 13 Feb. at 7pm
Harquail Theatre
This event shines a spotlight on the best student musicians in the CAF music education programme, as the CAF Youth Camerata performs at the Harquail Theatre. Featuring the most talented and dedicated young string, woodwind, percussion and brass players, the orchestra is supported by some of their music teachers and tutors. Rehearsing for public performances and participating in concerts are pivotal for their growth as musicians. For the second consecutive year, the CAF Youth Camerata proudly takes the stage during the main festival, showcasing their hard work and talent.
Joining these exceptionally gifted students are esteemed violinist Irina Muresanu and Caymanian cellist Dequan Smith, adding their artistry to an unforgettable performance.
Mark De-Lisser Singers and First Baptist Church Choir
Friday, 14 Feb. at 7pm
First Baptist Church
The 2025 Cayman Arts Festival brings a powerful gospel concert to the stage, uniting the world-renowned MDL Singers with the beloved First Baptist Church Choir for an evening of uplifting music and celebration. Complementing their dynamic presence, the First Baptist Church Choir, led by Pastor Dave Jorge, showcases the rich musical heritage of the Cayman Islands. Known for their moving performances during Easter and Christmas, this accomplished group has long been a cornerstone of the local community. Their annual ‘Festival of Christmas Praise’, ‘Festival of Easter Glory’, and spring concert tour highlight their dedication to bringing people together through music and worship.
This extraordinary collaboration promises to be an unforgettable evening, blending international flair with heartfelt local talent. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a powerful fusion of faith, love and music at this special event.
Beneil Miller & His Reggae Orchestra
Saturday, 15 Feb. at 7pm
Harquail Theatre
Blending the smooth rhythms of reggae with the improvisational flair of jazz, Beneil Miller & His Reggae Orchestra captivates audiences, evoking the feeling of swaying in a hammock on a warm, breezy day. A singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist skilled in piano, bass, drums, and guitar, Miller describes his music as a “fusion of genres”, seamlessly fitting into formats from roots reggae and modern Caribbean to pop, jazz and the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock Radio. Born in Jamaica and raised in the Cayman Islands, Miller has been a staple of Cayman Arts Festival events, including the 2023 ‘Cayman Hot Jazz Night’ with Jon Weber, a fellow 2025 festival performer. For this event, he will perform tracks from his new EP as well as other original pieces.
For tickets and more information on the 2025 festival, visit the CAF website, call 922-5550 or email [email protected].
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