Island Sounds

Music plays an important role in shaping the atmosphere of an event. A string quartet during a ceremony, a violin echoing through a coastal space, or the warm sound of a saxophone drifting across a terrace at sunset can quietly transform a gathering.

Across the Channel Islands, music has long been part of celebrations, weddings and special occasions, adding character and atmosphere without overwhelming the moment.

Beyond these events, music forms an essential part of island life. It appears in concert halls, churches and festivals, but also in unexpected settings where the landscape itself becomes part of the experience. For this feature, we photographed two Guernsey musicians in locations that reflect the island around them: a violin played within the natural acoustics of a coastal cave and a saxophone carried on the evening air above the rocks at sunset.

A familiar figure across the island’s hospitality scene is saxophonist Colin Falla, who performs regularly at weddings, celebrations and events, including many hosted at Hand Picked Hotels. Largely self-taught, Colin plays entirely by ear and moves easily between musical styles, often improvising alongside DJs and bands. Over the years, he has performed at venues across the Bailiwick as well as in London and further afield. At a family wedding in Santa Barbara, he even found himself playing alongside renowned producer Max Martin. Today, Colin performs mainly as a solo musician, bringing the expressive sound of the saxophone to island gatherings and celebrations.

For violinist Pippa Cordall, music has always been part of everyday life. Growing up in a musical Guernsey family meant early involvement with the Guernsey Music Centre, orchestras and ensembles that shaped her lifelong connection to the island’s musical community. Today she performs regularly with the Guernsey Symphony Orchestra and the Guernsey Camerata Orchestra at St James, as well as with the Guernsey Bach Choir and Orchestra. For Pippa, the most rewarding part of music remains the shared experience of musicians listening to one another and building something together.

Across the Channel Islands, this sense of shared musical life continues to flourish. Guernsey offers a rich programme of performances throughout the year. At its centre sits St James, a restored former church that now serves as one of the island’s principal concert venues, its warm acoustics and intimate scale making it well suited to orchestral concerts and visiting performers.

The Guernsey Symphony Orchestra is known for ambitious repertoire and thoughtful collaborations, including creative partnerships with the Guernsey Photography Festival. The Guernsey Camerata draws loyal audiences to its annual family concerts, often introducing orchestral music to younger listeners through imaginative programming such as live screenings of The Snowman and Peter and the Wolf.

Alongside them, Guernsey Symphonic Winds, Guernsey Concert Brass and the Guernsey Jazz Orchestra contribute to a diverse performance calendar, while numerous choirs provide opportunities for singers of all abilities. Professional violinist David Le Page, who grew up on the island, returns frequently to perform, reinforcing the connection between Guernsey’s musical roots and the wider international stage.

International careers, island roots

Each summer, the musical focus briefly shifts to Alderney. Founded by sibling violinists Louisa and Samuel Staples, the Alderney Chamber Music Festival brings internationally recognised musicians to the island while maintaining a sense of closeness between performers and audience.

Louisa and Samuel divide their professional lives between major international stages, yet each summer they return to the island that first shaped their musical journey. Louisa is now based in Berlin, performing as a soloist and chamber musician and appearing regularly with leading European orchestras. Samuel, based in London, combines solo and chamber work with appearances as concertmaster for major orchestras, alongside recording film and television soundtracks at Abbey Road and other leading studios.

Despite these global careers, Alderney remains central. “It’s about community,” they explain. “In major cities, concerts can feel quite formal. In Alderney, it feels personal. Many people have supported the festival from the beginning and have watched it grow. They feel part of it.”

That closeness shapes the atmosphere, and the usual divide between performer and audience softens. Conversations continue long after the final notes have faded, often spilling into the street or nearby restaurants. After performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Guernsey’s Town Church last year, Louisa and Samuel spent so long speaking with audience members that they almost missed closing time.

The festival was founded with accessibility in mind. “Classical music can sometimes feel intimidating,” they say. “We’ve always wanted the concerts to feel welcoming. We introduce pieces from the stage, explain the background and include a variety of styles, sometimes even touches of jazz or folk. We try to make sure there is something for everyone.”

Island life also changes the pace. Away from the constant noise of larger cities, there is space to focus. “The quiet is striking,” they reflect. “We both live with traffic and noise every day. The first night back is always a surprise. Here you can really concentrate on listening, both to each other and to the audience.”

Landscape plays its part too. Visiting musicians often comment on the clarity of the night sky and the surrounding seascape. One opera singer even learned a new Royal Opera House role on the beach between rehearsals.

For Louisa and Samuel, the ambition remains simple. For one week each year, music brings the whole island together.

“In major cities, concerts can feel quite formal. In Alderney, it feels personal.”

— Louisa Staples