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November 10, 2009

Duquesne University Tamburitzans Return to the Academy Theatre

The internationally famous Duquesne University Tamburitzans will visit Academy Theatre for an encore performance on November 14 at 7:30 pm. The Tamburitzans enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome from the Meadville audience last November, and the Academy is happy to host them for the second year in a row.

Throughout over 70 years of existence, this group has presented thousands of shows throughout the United States and Canada, and has achieved international acclaim in countries from South America to Europe. 

In their two-part presentation, The Tamburitzans capture the indomitable spirit of Eastern Europe and neighboring cultures. Language (a dozen or more are used) is no barrier, as these emotions strike a universal chord: joy at a wedding, sorrow over lost love, pride in a plentiful harvest. Through music and movement, The Tamburitzans portrays the human experience with passion and believability. 

It’s easy to be enthralled with this exciting show, which uses over 500 costumes. These works of art are as diverse as the countries, regions, and nationalities which they represent. Rich textiles, magnificent embroideries, intricate lacework adorn the performers as they shuttle through cityscape and countryside, bringing to American theatre the magic of places which most people have only read about in a textbook, or heard mentioned in stories and memories of the “Old Country.”

 A Duquesne University Tamburitzan — the name comes from the stringed instruments which they play — is a typical college student with an exceptional amount of performing talent and the ambition to use that talent in a most unusual effort to secure higher education. Usually during their senior year in high school, applicants audition for a spot in the ensemble. Those who make the grade ship off with the veteran performers for an intensive three-week production camp in mid-July at Washington & Jefferson College. After the new production is perfected, these student performers begin classes at Duquesne in late August.

 Ensemble members receive scholarship aid for their participation in the ensemble, and may study in any discipline offered at the university. Concurrently, throughout and beyond Duquesne’s academic year, they travel by bus across the U.S. presenting their show on weekends and semester breaks, captivating audiences everywhere with their special brand of entertainment.  The 32-member ensemble is led by Managing Director Paul G. Stafura.

 As an addition to this year’s event, the Academy is also offering FREE dance workshops with Tamburitzans instructors Saturday afternoon. These workshops will be held at Allegro Dance Arts studio on Market Street and will cover Beginning and Advanced Techniques. Dancers over the age of 10 are encouraged to take advantage of this special opportunity.

For more information, or to register, contact Academy Managing Director, Kelly McMahon, at 814-337-8211.

 Tickets to the Tamburitzan’s performance are $15 and are available at the Academy Theatre Box Office (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30-6:30pm and Wednesdays 12-2pm) 814-337-8000 or online at www.theacademytheatre.org.

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