Belizean-born Composer is First Black Female Master of the King’s Music  

Belizean-born composer Errollyn Wallen has made history by becoming the first black woman to be appointed as the Master of the King’s Music. The holder of this prestigious title becomes a member of the British royal household, responsible for composing music for special occasions. We spoke with Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts at NICH, who told us what a remarkable achievement this is for Wallen. 

 

Kim Vasquez, Director, I.C.A.

“This is a significant achievement and definitely it felt it fills us with a lot of pride and joy for her. Not only because yes, she is the first black woman to get this recognition. But also I think for us as Belizeans knowing her journey from Belize to the global stage and now to this new appointment, this is a significant milestone in her career. And so we are very happy for her. We are very proud of her as Belizeans. And I think that what it’s what it signals to us to here at NICH is the need for us to So to build a better bond, a stronger community off musicians, not only here in Belize, but also to connect with those in the diaspora as well.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So for those of us at home that might not know who miss Errollyn is, can you just talk a little bit about who she is and the name that she’s made for herself?”

 

Kim Vasquez

“She’s a Belizean composer. She’s a wonderful musician. And again, I think maybe the wider public is not aware of who she is, but certainly among the community of Belizean musicians and music educators in Belize everyone is very much familiar with who Errollyn Wallen is, and we have followed her journey, and like I said, we are just so very delighted and so proud of her for this achievement.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And the plans are, even if we’re not able to connect with her in the future, to promote and support Belizean artists, composers, that are aiming to do something like this in the future?”

 

 

Kim Vasquez

“And I think that is one of the most important things we can take away from this achievement, even though she’s very busy what we should be doing is yes, maybe wanting to connect with Errollyn Wallen I think what there is a message of inspiration, especially for young Belizean musicians, youths on a whole, that if you have talent, that’s just one component to it. And I can tell you something about Errollyn Wallen is that she has really applied herself and the dedication and the perseverance and the practice and hard work is when you put that in to any talent you have, then of course you will have these types of achievements in life.”