Djumbala!

How does it sound?

a theatrical family concert by Oorkaan, Podium Mozaïek & Ruhrtriennale for everyone from 2 to 102 years old 

It is already late and cold. Vernon, Lidrick and Angelo meet outside, in an unfamiliar place. They hear the waves and close their eyes to listen more carefully. Djumbala, Djumbala!.... That sounds like music! They would like to make such beautiful music themselves. They tap and drum on everything they find around them. On some objects you can whistle a song yourself! It makes the friends happy and sometimes also a little sad. With each other and with the waves they make the most beautiful music. But the most beautiful thing is when they make music together with bamboo sticks, as if they were one instrument. In this way they fuel the fire of their friendship, which keeps them warm forever. 

Djumbala! is Oorkaan's new production in collaboration with composer and percussionist Vernon Chatlein. At home in the Afro-Curaçaoan tradition, Vernon bases his new compositions on Muzik di Zumbi and Tambu, which is characterized by instruments made of natural materials, vocal rhythms and sound imitations. Angelo Ursini adds other unusual flutes in addition to the flute. Together with percussionist Lidrick Solognier, they create a warm, expressive world of music that invites listeners to actively participate. 

Directed by Caecilia Thunnissen, the piece is brought to life in a visual-physical concert in which the audience is an integral part. The production builds a musical bridge between generations and cultures. The performance explicitly invites the audience to really listen - to sounds, the other and the world around them. This not only deepens their imagination and musical development, but also stimulates empathy and cultural curiosity. At a time when livability and awareness are crucial, ‘Djumbala!’ offers a playful, meaningful way to seek connection with yourself, with each other and with the world.

 

Age recommendation: from 2 to 102 years old
Language no problem



On stage and behind the scenes

Musicians
Percussion Vernon Chatlein
Percussion Lidrick Solognier
Flutes (including flute, caboclinho, hulusi) Angelo Ursini

Director Caecilia Thunnissen
Compositions, bandleader Vernon Chatlein
Music dramaturgy and education specialist Maaike-Merel van Baarzel 

The music

Afro-Curaçao music with new compositions by Vernon Chatlein & Friends.
Among others:
Suite Pa Mucha
Dugudugan
Panderetas
Djumbala!
Zumbi benta

About the musicians

Vernon Chatlein
Vernon Chatlein

Vernon Chatlein is a Curaçao-based percussionist and composer specializing in Afro-Caribbean and Latin American music. He is also the creative producer of his own research and performance platform Voices from Letters. In 2024, he received the prestigious Gieskes-Strijbis Podium Prize.

Lidrick Solognier
Lidrick Solognier

Lidrick Solognier is a percussionist born in Aruba. Growing up on this island where many cultures come together, he came into contact with various types of music and rhythms. He learned to combine these with the traditional music of Aruba and manages to create a distinctive Caribbean sound. 

Angelo Ursini
Angelo Ursini

In addition to the classical flute, Brazilian musician Angelo Ursini plays a wide range of ethnic flutes, with a special focus on Brazilian and Andean flutes. His fascination with music from different cultures led him to study these traditional instruments. For Angelo, music is a “non-verbal web” in which musicians are connected to each other and to the audience.

Upcoming concerts

Wed
16
Sep
Djumbala!
with Vernon Chatlein & Friends
9:00 am,

Ruhrtriennale, Bochum (Germany)
School concert

Wed
16
Sep
Djumbala!
with Vernon Chatlein & Friends
11:00 a.m.,

Ruhrtriennale, Bochum (Germany)
School concert

don
17
Sep
Djumbala!
with Vernon Chatlein & Friends
9:00 am,

Ruhrtriennale, Bochum (Germany)
School concert

Book this performance

Fill out the form below to request a booking. For more information you can also look at the bookings page.