WILLEMSTAD - Vernon Chatlein, a percussionist from Curaçao, has been selected as one of the three curators for the North Sea Jazz Festival. The festival has invited three artists to not only perform but also curate a program based on the theme of Sounds of Diversity.
Vernon Chatlein
This initiative is in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Chatlein aims to highlight artists who incorporate the language and history of the Dutch Caribbean islands into their music.
As part of his curator role, Chatlein has invited singer Izaline Calister and Bonairean-Dominican singer Ir Sais to the jazz festival. Additionally, he will showcase the culmination of years of research in a performance that draws from the Zikinzá sound archive. This archive showcases the rich musical history of Curaçao, including the mystical style known as Muzik Di Zumbi.
On Sunday, the Metropole Orkest, along with guest artists, will pay tribute to Curaçao composers Jacobo 'Coco' Palm, his family, and Rudy Plaate. The program has been composed by musical director and pianist Randal Corsen.
Photo credit: Richard Verborn