Festival Un Canto na Bernadina • 15th Anniversary Special Edition
The Bernadina Growell-Kock Foundation, jointly with the Chico Harms Foundation and with the support of the Padu Lampe Foundation, presents the 2026 National Gala Concert – Festival Un Canto na Bernadina, 15th Anniversary Special Edition.
The Festival Un Canto na Bernadina is celebrating its 15th anniversary special edition with the presentation of 17 local artists. Among them are six winners from previous editions of the festival and 11 special guest artists.
This morning, during a press conference held at the House of Bernadina Growell-Kock, Aruba’s Mother of Culture, the 2026 National Gala Concert: Festival Un Canto na Bernadina – 15th Anniversary Special Edition was officially presented.
The concert is a national tribute dedicated to two extraordinary figures who enriched Aruba’s musical and cultural heritage: Bernadina Growell-Kock, Aruba’s Mother of Culture, and Juan “Chabaya” Padu Lampe, Aruba’s Father of Culture, both of blessed memory. The gala is part of the cultural program within the framework of the celebration of Dia di Brazil 2026.
During the press conference, the Bernadina Growell-Kock Foundation emphasized that the Festival Un Canto na Bernadina is not only a musical event, but also a cultural project aimed at preserving, promoting, and transmitting the musical and human legacy of Bernadina Growell-Kock. At the same time, the festival pays special attention to our music, our local composers, and talent from different generations.
The Chico Harms Foundation highlighted that this special edition will unite history, memory, identity, and national pride. The public will be able to enjoy compositions by Bernadina Growell-Kock and Juan “Chabaya” Padu Lampe, interpreted by renowned local artists. Six of the participating artists are winners of Festival Un Canto na Bernadina from previous years, while 11 are special guest artists.
All singers will be accompanied by a musical orchestra under the direction of maestro Danny Koolman.
A musical program with 17 interpretations The evening will begin with an official act, including the National Anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera,” interpreted by Jerwin Hernandez, followed by welcoming remarks and a ceremonial opening.
Each song will be introduced with a short poem, specially prepared for the occasion, connecting the audience to the history, emotion, and message of each work. During the gala, there will also be special recognitions and moments of gratitude dedicated to the two pillars of our culture, their families, and the foundations.
ARTIST – SONG
Antonieta Ras-Booi – “Pilar”
Whitney Nin – “Sonrisa di un Baby”
Maria Christina Petrocchi – “Loco Loco”
Stephanie Quant – “For di Dia M’a Mira Bo”
Betty Werleman – “Ayo Mi Dudu”
Bertha Wolff-Croes – “Na un Distancia”
Rachel Kraaivanger – “Boca di Tribon”
Giliani Wester – “Macuto di Boca Dushi”
Jetzenia Martines – “Un Sonjo”
Jerwin Hernandez – “Nami un Chance”
Raquel Lampe – “Mosa di Nos Alma”
Rodrick “Rocco” Franken – “Ban Bail’e Danza”
Amy Richards – “Min’sa”
Jelitza Croes – “Hamaca”
Nicole Martines de Kort – “Ayera”
El Duque Victor Samuel – “Abo So”
Robert Maduro – “Locura di Dalia”
Event Information
Event: National Gala Concert 2026 – Festival Un Canto na Bernadina
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Centro di Bario Brazil
Admission: Afl. 25; tickets will also be available at the door.
Doors will open starting at 6:00 p.m. To buy tickets, you can drop by between Wednesday and Friday, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Centro di Bario Brazil. You can also call the telephone number 562-5429 to make reservations. Tickets will also be available on the day of the Gala Concert. Get yours on time to ensure your entry!
A special thank you goes out to all partners and sponsors for their valuable contribution and support: Aruba Tourism Authority, ASTEC, Department of Culture Aruba, SETAR, ELMAR, UNOCA, Balashi, Rayo, Bernadina Growell-Kock Foundation, Padu Lampe Foundation, and Chico Harms Foundation.
For the Department of Culture Aruba, it is an honor to provide its contribution and support to this National Gala Concert, dedicated to Aruba’s Mother and Father of Culture. The tribute represents an important moment to recognize, preserve, and transmit the legacy of two great pillars who, with their talent and dedication, contributed profoundly to the formation of our cultural identity.
A cordial invitation goes out to the entire Aruban community to be part of this memorable evening, support our artists, and celebrate the richness of our musical heritage.
“A people that preserves its culture preserves its identity; a people that sings its history guarantees its future.”
