WILLEMSTAD - Sizzling. Spectacular. An example for the whole of Curaçao. These were some remarks last night after the official opening of the Cathedral of Doornen at Bloemhof country house. During the magisterial opening the performances of Curaçao artists, such as Elia Isenia, Kirk Claes, Melanie Sloot and Swindey Helm, directed by one of Curaçao's greatest artists, Felix de Rooy, were central.

After this special opening for invited guests, the Cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the month of February for the Ode to the Free Spirit program. This program, involving the labyrinth of 25 million sumpiñas (thorns) which is open to other artists, will be kicked off by Studio Loos on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February. This collective offers Curaçao something completely new: The Cathedral Sings! With compelling and innovative technology, Studio Loos makes the Cathedral sing through inimitable futuristic algorithms. This special experience, where the etheric becomes earthly is a must for all visitors who want to understand the essence of the Cathedral by artist Herman van Bergen.

Van Bergen was moved last night by the profound and artistic opening of 'his' Cathedral. “I am full of emotions and passion. Passion is the driving force behind this work have been able to do. It would never have succeeded without passion,” Herman van Bergen explained. Chairman Daisy Casimiri of the Fundashon di Artista, next to Herman van Bergen the main driver behind the Cathedral, was also honored for her crucial contribution to the artwork.

The Cathedral of Thorns project has been supported for five years by various prestigious funds, including the Mondriaan Fund, Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Caribbean and Reda Soshal. Herman van Bergen and Daisy Casimiri thank everyone who has believed in them over the years in the realization of the 20x20x10 meter high artwork. “I certainly did not do this alone,” said Herman van Bergen during the opening, “this is something of all of us.”

Anyone who wants to listen to the Cathedral from close by is welcome on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February from 6:30 AM to 9 AM. Tickets for ANG 15 are available at Landhuis Bloemhof.

From Tuesday 4 February, the Cathedral is also open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.