A Touch of Classical Infusion Limited hosted a remarkable evening of music at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Montego Bay on May 18, buoyed by the talent of 33 young musicians.

“We are bringing music back to our parish!” declared host Alex Grey, director of A Touch of Classical Infusion.

Music lovers turned out in their numbers, with some 300 guests travelling from as far as the United Kingdom to hear performers as young as six years old interpret works such as Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise‘, Bach’s ‘Prelude in C Major‘ and John Legend’s ‘All of Me‘.

“This recital is part of a wider vision,” Grey said. “We are nurturing musicians who understand technique, discipline and the cultural breadth of music. Our aim is to broaden the base of musical training in Jamaica beyond the expected, while honouring our deep-rooted musical identity.”

The event also served as a platform for investment in the future of Jamaican music education. Two grants, valued at J$200,000 each, were awarded to aspiring music educators Robert Green and Jaemoi Jackson.

The recipients are enrolled in a joint programme between Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to offer School of Music courses in Montego Bay.

The presentations were made by Naudia Crosskill, CEO of the St James Municipal Corporation, alongside Grey.

“We are building a foundation for the future of music education in Jamaica,” said Grey. “Tonight’s performances are a testament to the passion and potential of these students.”

While student performers were the heart of the evening, the programme also featured appearances by accomplished adult musicians. Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica violinist Jovanni Williams treated the audience to a Spanish piece, accompanied by Grey on piano, while piano virtuoso Philip Newman delivered a stirring performance of a Chopin composition.

The evening also included light entertainment, with theatrical elements such as a clown-themed interlude choreographed to ‘Entrance of the Gladiators‘, performed by prep schoolers Grace and Tianni Li on piano.