The Tamburitzans of Duquesne University bring their traveling kaleidoscope of Eastern European song and dance to Tarpon Springs this Wednesday. First formed in 1937 by a group of young men who enjoyed playing the tamburitza — a traditional stringed instrument akin to a mandolin — the ensemble’s longevity can be attributed to its longstanding association with Duquesne University, the members not professional dancers but full-time students at Duquesne who receive grant consideration for their participation. These students juggle a packed schedule, attending classes and studying in the academic field of their choice while performing an average of 80 shows a year most weekends and during breaks. The two-hour program is sung in a multitude of languages by the student musicians, singers and dancers, who wear original and authentically reproduced costumes of the peasant folk, all meant to represent cultural influences from places like Poland, Armenia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Russia and the Ukraine. A lively midweek treat. Wed., March 7, 7:30 p.m., Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 E. Pine St., Tarpon Springs, $25 general/$23 members and students, 727-937-0686.
This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2007.
