Music lovers are in for a big treat.
The 2025 Tumon Bay Music Festival kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and will wrap up on March 8, at various locations throughout Guam.
The Guam Philharmonic Foundation Inc. is hosting the festival, which it described as the largest music event in the region.
The foundation received grant assistance and other help from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, the Office of the Governor, and community and corporate supporters.
The music festival kicks off at the Center Court of Micronesia Mall on Feb. 26, with a prelude to March’s CHamoru Month, featuring an abridged presentation of the Legend of Puntan and Fu’una performed by Guma Nina’en Acho Latte, led by Fafanague Raymond Lujan.
The legend was presented in 2016 at the opening ceremonies of the Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture, FestPac, hosted on Guam.
Wednesday’s festival kickoff will also feature a showcase performance by the Harvest Christian Academy Symphony Orchestra led by Kelly Schlarb, the Saint John’s School Glee Club led by Arlene Chua, and the world premiere of Tumon Bay Fanfare composed by Daniel Thrower, to be performed by the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra Brass & Percussion.
The festival continues with Handbell and Choir Festival on Thursday, Feb. 27, and Friday, Feb. 28, at Kahida, Guam Plaza Resort, featuring elementary to high school groups presenting choral music from various time periods and countries.
March 1 will feature more than 10 hours of solo and ensemble music at the Episcopal Church of Saint John the Divine.
The foundation said this free concert is “perfect to bring young children as an introduction to music.”
“There is nothing more inspiring to be in awe by performances from talented young people,” the foundation said.
Small vocal and instrumental ensembles will also be featured at Micronesia Mall, prior to the Solo and Small Ensemble Award Ceremony set for 8 p.m.
Jazz, rock and beyond on March 2
The Ypao Amphitheater in Tumon will host lovers of jazz, rock and beyond on Sunday, March 2, featuring an array of acts sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
The public is invited to bring snacks, beverages of their choice, a beach towel or blanket, find a spot on the grass, and vibe to an afternoon of music.
Band, orchestra on March 3
The Band and Orchestra Festival will take place on Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4, at the Grand Ballroom of Hyatt Regency Guam.
It will feature award-winning band and orchestra sure to entertain lovers of symphonic music of all ages.
“The festival continues with the essence of collaboration. Musicians of all ages and experiences are invited to participate in rehearsals on March 5 to 7 for either Concordia – the festival choir or the Tumon Bay International Wind Orchestra – the festival massed band,” the foundation said.
Rehearsals will take place in the late afternoon/evenings at Micronesia Mall.
The Guam Philharmonic Foundation said this is a chance for audience members with hidden musical talent awakened and inspired by the music presented in the days prior to interact and make music with new people from Guam, Saipan and beyond.
Both Concordia, guest conducted by Randolph Stenson and the Tumon Bay International Wind Orchestra, conducted by Atsushi Ozawa, will perform on March 8 at the Festival Finale Concert and Award Ceremony.
“For those who just want to attend one event and experience highlights of the entire festival should not miss the Finale Concert and Award Ceremony on March 8 at the Center Court of the Micronesia Mall,” the foundation said.
This concert will feature a bit of everything including the Judges’ Choice from the various genres and categories presented throughout the festival.
The ensemble who scored the highest adjudicated score will walk away with the highly coveted Festival Sweepstakes Award.
Most events are free and open to the public.
The latest festival information can be found at TBMFGUAM.org. For inquiries, email teamtbmf@guamphilharmonic.org.
