Savi Beach Club became the site of a symphony of sound on Friday, 28th November 2025, as the Volta Music Foundation staged its “Mix, Sip & Support” fundraiser — a vibrant happy hour with a purpose: to champion music education in Anguilla.
Held as part of a series of events for this year’s Malliouhana Fest, parents, supporters, tourists, and curious onlookers gathered against the backdrop of the island’s evening glow, eagerly awaiting the debut performance of the foundation’s first cohort of violin students, who have been attending lessons every Monday since the programme began.
Ahead of the performance, founder Yalyen Saignon spoke with unmistakable pride about what the night represented for the budding musicians, describing the showcase as the fruition of the students’ dedication and a reflection of the foundation’s core mission.
Established in 2018, Volta Music Foundation is a non-profit organisation assisting young musicians across the United States and Latin America by developing global support networks that empower them to reach their full potential. It provides instruments, learning materials and essential tools — resources that many families would struggle to access otherwise.
The thirteen violinists in training stepped forward, donning their foundation T-shirts, violins poised with both nerves and excitement. Guided by their tutor, they performed a rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, drawing smiles from the gathering. Their gentle yet confident playing hinted at raw, growing talent — and to many in attendance, it felt like witnessing the first notes of futures filled with possibility.
Among the most moved was parent Samantha Kentish, who reflected on the transformation she has seen in her son, Alexander. “He has always been interested in music. He picked up a friend’s violin at age three and ever since then he wanted to play,” she shared. Finding a teacher had long been a challenge, but she said discovering Volta Music brought relief and joy. “It’s been wonderful… He’s been enjoying it and I’ve enjoyed seeing the growth in him.”
Other stakeholders — including Janine Edwards, Avon Carty, and Andrea Bear — echoed their admiration for the programme’s early successes. Edwards reflected on the wider ripple effect it is already creating: “We now have an entire team who’ve also fallen in love with Anguilla and want to give back. So the seed has been planted and it’s growing.” Carty also extended her appreciation to Savi Beach Club for its unwavering support, noting that partnerships such as these help sustain the arts within the community.
The evening’s musical offerings did not end with the students. Four of the programme’s tutors also took to the stage, performing a selection of classical and contemporary pieces. Among them was an evocative original composition titled “Entwined”, written by Anguillian Berklee College of Music graduate Kamal Vanterpool. The piece — fluid, emotional and cinematic — captivated the audience and underscored the depth of artistry Volta aims to nurture.
Beyond the performances, the event carried a deeper, future-focused intention. Silent auctions ran throughout the evening, raising funds to ensure that the violin programme and its young musicians continue to grow. Savi Beach Club also introduced the aptly named “Symphony Sip” cocktail, with proceeds from each purchase — both on the night and for the remainder of the year — pledged to support Volta Music Foundation’s ongoing work.
By the night’s end, Savi Beach Club had become more than a venue; it was a testament to community, creativity, and the power of opportunity. For the young violinists who took the stage and the supporters who rallied behind them, the event struck a hopeful chord that promises to resonate far beyond a single Anguillian sunset.
By Janissa Fleming
