Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica 2024 season promises to be exciting

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica (POJ) will be staging the eighth season of its annual Spring Concert run from May 17-19 at the University Chapel, UWI Mona.

Featuring some of the country’s leading instrumentalists, there will be solo performances from Rafael Salazar on clarinet, violinist Jovani Williams, and organist Archie Dunkley. The 2024 season promises to be another sumptuous feast of classical music with a mix of popular works from the classical masters and works from Mozart, Strauss, Albioni, and Bizet along with original works from acclaimed Jamaican composers, including Peter Ashbourne and Jon Williams.

“The audience will enjoy our eclectic programming that includes classical works from well-loved symphonies, concertos, and operatic overtures along with modern pieces that draw on our rich Jamaican culture and Latin American influences. For those who missed the premiere of the full Marley Symphony in 2023, we will be presenting this again as it is such a significant artistic work for Jamaica,” said Franklin E. Halliburton, conductor and music director of the POJ.

The premiere series of concerts has become a popular event on Kingston’s music calendar and is eagerly awaited by classical music enthusiasts and adventurous fans from all over the country. This year’s Spring Concert will be extended to three consecutive nights due to the increased support.

Andrew Ho, executive chairman of the POJ, stated, “May 2023 Spring Concert at the University Chapel was a sizzling event ... packed to capacity, and I expect the same turnout for this year.”

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica is a non-profit group formed in 2013 that aims to maintain a high-quality orchestra for the benefit of the country. It seeks to promote classical music and, specifically, Jamaican-composed music and to allow musicians, conductors, and composers to express their talent and pursue a productive career in the classical performing arts.