By Laura Stewart
For Hometown News
VOLUSIA COUNTY - It's easy to see why the New York Times wrote glowingly about the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, the student ensemble founded more than 70 years ago and going stronger than ever today under the leadership of Paul G. Stafura.
Besides grants, the nearly 40 young artists who will perform in Saturday's (Feb. 27) concert of Eastern European dance, songs and music, earn rich rewards from simply participating in the program - most notably from wide-ranging tours that in February takes them to New York, Virginia, Maryland and Connecticut even before their Daytona Beach and Sarasota appearances.
They are an "attractive ensemble of folk dancers and musicians," the Times' 'Dance in Review' noted. They "display not merely their athletic prowess, but their deep love of dancing." And not just any dancing - or singing or playing, said Stacy Codd, membership director at the Port Orange YMCA, which is presenting the program to benefit its Strong Kids Campaign.
"We have a benefactor who has paid the Tamburitzans' performance fee for the past several years, which has made it possible for us to continue this great event," she said. "Once you see this show, you will never miss another one!"
The Tamburitzans' tradition dates back to 1937. Originally an ensemble of 12 men who played the tamburitza, a stringed instrument that resembles a mandolin, the members named themselves after their unusual instrument. But the group, based on Duquesne's Pittsburgh campus, expanded quickly, to include colorful ethnic costumes, songs, dances - and women.
The Tamburitzans now present pieces from countries as varied as Armenia, Bosnia, Ukraine, Greece and Russia, among them this season's "Hellenic Choroi," a large dance ensemble from Greece; Üveges Tánc, a women's dance ensemble inspired by Hungarian tradition; and Devoj?e Galeno, a vocal duet and instrumental ensemble from Macedonia. And, of course, there is the tamburitza orchestra, with soloists, in the Croatian Da Te Mogu Pismom Zvati.
Put the music, voices and dance movements together and you have a multi-cultural extravaganza. But the Duquesne University ensemble goes a crucial step further, extending its years of research into ethnic accuracy in the costumes worn by its performers. Each performance features more than 400 of them, recreated through cultural studies and research, and adapted to the stage.
They are part of the more than 8,000 costumes and 400 musical instruments - both new and vintage - now in the Tamburitzan's Cultural Center, along with a 9,00-volume library of books and journals that relate to the ethnic groups represented in performances that average up to 80 each year. There also are 300 films, recently transferred to video, a collection of rare 78 rpm recordings and LP albums, audiocassettes and CDs that are available for research - and inspiration.
It's all part of the mission statement that evolved from that original ensemble of just 12 men. The Duquesne University Tamburitzans are not only preserving the cultural heritages of Eastern Europe, it is bringing them to vivid life through their performances and taking them to new audiences.
In short, said Ms. Codd, who has seen the Tamburitzans live about 20 times: "They are unbelievable!"
The Port Orange YMCA is presenting the Duquesne University Tamburitzans on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. at the Daytona Beach State College Theater Center, Building 220, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
For tickets ($20 adults, $15 students, $25 at the door), visit the Port Orange YMCA, 4701 City Center Parkway, Port Orange, or call Stacy Codd at (386) 760-9623.