UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 2, Page 3
September 7, 1995
Song and dance; Tamburitzans to open UD Performing Arts Series

     "Variety is the spice of life" and it's also the theme for the
University's 1995-96 Performing Arts Series. Featuring diversified
offerings in the performing arts, the series brings together dance,
music, comedy and more with appearances by both seasoned professionals
and saucy on-the-rise performers.
     The series opens Saturday, Sept. 16, with a thrilling performance
by the Tamburitzans of Duquesne University. The gala evening of East
European folk music and dance begins at 8 p.m. in Mitchell Hall.
     This group of folk artists, dedicated to the preservation of East
European folk culture, takes its name from a musical instrument-the
tamburitza. Using more than 500 authentic costumes in each concert,
the Tamburitzans sing in a dozen European languages and perform the
dances of many countries.
     A Tamburitzans' performance is like a musical tour of Europe,
with a special concentration of the music, songs and dances of Eastern
Europeans.
     The troupe was founded in 1937, and its members attend Duquesne
University in Pittsburgh on scholarship.
     All 38 musicians, singers and dancers are enrolled in academic
courses and also present 80 concerts a year on weekends and during
semester breaks. Members have traveled thousands of miles throughout
the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America and the former Soviet Union
presenting their unique culture.
     Hundreds of brilliant authentic costumes of the peasant folk,
music of the lute-like tamburitza instruments and shepherd's flutes,
combined with chanting of voices and the hypnotic beat of drums make
up the musical pageant. Whether presenting a wedding from Krakow or a
warrior's dance from Tbilisi, the ensemble captures the soul of the
people without compromising technical integrity.
     Individual ticket prices for the Tamburitzans are $15 for the
general public, $10 for senior citizens and faculty and staff and $6
for students.
     Other offerings in the Performing Arts Series include:
        * The Capitol Steps, musical political satire, at 7 and 9 p.m.
          on Saturday, Oct. 28, in Mitchell Hall;
        * The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, warm blended sounds of
          piano, violin and cello, at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, in
          Mitchell Hall;
        * First Vote, a new, two-act play that chronicles Delaware
          during the fight to ratify the 19th Amendment, at 8 p.m. on
          Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18 in Mitchell Hall;
        * "Carol in Color," a holiday dance musical celebration with
          traditional carols and modern ballet/jazz, at 8 p.m.,
          Friday, Dec. 1 in Mitchell Hall;
        * The Mendelssohn String Quartet and special guests,
          celebrating five years in residency at UD, at 8 p.m.,
          Saturday, Jan. 6, in the Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E.
          du Pont Music Building;
        * The String Trio of New York, with pianist Anthony Davis, at
          8 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in Mitchell Hall;
        * The Chestnut Brass Company, quintet with international
          acclaim, at 8 p.m., Friday, March 22, Loudis Recital Hall;
        * Hornists Michael Thompson and David Wetherill in concert, 8
          p.m., Saturday, March 23, Loudis Recital Hall;
        * Anonymous 4, classical medieval music, at 8 p.m., Thursday,
          April 11, in Mitchell Hall; and
        * The Jazz Tap Ensemble, new directions in tap dance with
          lively jazz music, at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 5, in Mitchell
          Hall.
     Individual tickets are available at varying prices for all
performances and there are two ticket packages available. Several
offering also include master classes and special performances for UD
students.
                                                          -Beth Thomas