Delbert Bernabela, Woodwind specialist with over 30 years of stage experience in the Caribbean, Venezuela, the USA and Europe.
Delbert Bernabela was born on the island of Aruba where he started to play guitar in his teens. After a couple of years he switched to flute and then to saxophone.
After high school, he attended Berkley College of music, Boston USA. In 1984 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in professional music.
Immediately after college, Delbert began working in several showbands in various hotels and restaurants on his native island. Then came performances during major jazz and music festivals in the Caribbean, the USA, Venezuela and Europe. Delbert plays a fusion of jazz and Caribbean music, pop and classic.
In 2009 he moved to the Netherlands where he currently lives. Played among others with Roy Hardgrove, Kirk Whalum, Arturo Sandoval, Ron Kenoly, Paquito D’Rivera, Naomi Tamura and Caribbean Jam.
Guest soloist and orchestrator at the Dutch Swing College Band and the Dutch Wind Ensemble.
Performed on numerous occasions for the Dutch Royal family.
Conductor of several gospel choirs and orchestras. Respected teacher for groups and individuals.
Producer for jazz/latin film projects and pop events.
Foto Christopher Lewis