In addition to his career as an internationally renowned performer, Arturo O’Farrill is a master educator who has created a robust Afro-Latin jazz program in New York City and across the U.S. His education organization, Belongó (formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance) is dedicated to performing, preserving, and educating about the music of all of the Americas, emanating from African and indigenous roots, through the entry point of jazz. Join O’Farrill, along with his colleagues Marietta Ulacia and Andrea Thompson, to learn more about how Belongó has inspired countless children and young people. Through the journey of Belongó, the panel will explore the unique challenges of leading a BIPOC arts organization.
This event is part of Strathmore’s Windows series of performances and accompanying programs. Learn more
Meet the Panelists
Arturo O'Farrill
Six-time Grammy award winner Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, and educator, was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Arturo’s professional career began with the Carla Bley Band and continued as a solo performer with a wide spectrum of artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, and Harry Belafonte. In 2007, he founded the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the performance, education, and preservation of Afro-Latin music. Mr. O' Farrill is currently an Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and a board member of Betances, a member of the Board of Governors of the New York chapter of NARAS.
Marietta Ulacia
Ms. Ulacia is a Cuban-born arts administrator and artist with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit cultural field. She is a graduate of the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana, Cuba, and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from American University.
Andrea Thompson
Ms. Thompson has two decades of experience in nonprofit, cultural, and communications management. A graduate of Howard University, Andrea has a performance and research background in Cuban and Brazilian folkloric arts.