In a grand gesture of cultural unity and musical celebration, the Antilles School campus at Prior-Jollek Hall will be the setting for a unique concert honoring Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day. Scheduled for Sunday, this free community event promises to bring together the rich musical traditions of both the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico under the direction of esteemed conductor Gylchris Sprauve.
Hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society, in cooperation with the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee, the concert will showcase a collaborative performance by the Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Chamber Orchestra, with musicians from both territories coming together. Sherwin Williams, She’Coy Jones, Eljhaie Brathwaite, and Rivert Díaz are among the talented musicians set to perform, promising a vibrant display of talent and collaboration. The event will also feature the music of celebrated composers from both regions, including works by Emile “Milo” Francis, César Concepción, Raymond LaMotta, Marsvyn David, and the folkloric VI Quelbé Folk Music ensemble.
Gylchris Sprauve, whose direction brings these musicians together, arranged this concert in collaboration with the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee, which has helped to fund the event.
A key supporter of this initiative is Brandon Reburn, sponsor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, whose experience living in Puerto Rico for three years and residing on St. Thomas for nine years has shaped his appreciation for the holiday. Reburn, having worked with many of the performers, underscores the event’s significance. “Tri-M has always had the goal of spreading joy through music and creating unity within the community, and this concert embodies that mission.”
Tri-M Music Honor Society officers—Malachi Yoder (president), Teagan Campbell (historian), Eli Blondeau (secretary), Ajay Mirpuri (treasurer), and Tanmay Totwani (vice president)—have played an integral role in organizing this concert.
“I see it as a good way to show music to the community, which is always important to experience new forms of music they haven’t heard before,” Yoder remarked.
“This concert is not just about connecting with the Antilles School community but also with the greater Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican communities,” Campbell added.
