2023/2024 Season
¡CONEXIONES! PUERTO RICO
Mark Loria, conductor
Martha Guth, soprano
Friday, October 27, 2023
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Teatro Esperanza, 4261 North 5th Street, Philadelphia 19140
Roberto Sierra – Bongo-O
Angélica Negrón – Quimbombó
Angélica Negrón – Tembleque
Ana María Hernández – Fantasía sobre el seis Mapeyé
Roberto Sierra – Canciones de amor, poetry by Julia de Burgos
(World Premiere)
funded by the Steven R. Gerber Trust
Sonia Morales-Matos – Fiesta #1
ENGOMA ENTEERA: Classical Music from Uganda
Orchestra 2001 was joined by husband-wife team composer Justinian Tamusuza and African ethnomusicologist, Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza who shared a cross-continental composer residency from Uganda, prior to visiting Philadelphia in June 2024. Justinian was trained in both Kiganda (Ugandan) folk music and Western classical music, and composed new music for our musicians, using extended instrumental techniques and polyrhythms marrying contemporary classical music and traditional Kiganda folk music. Six concerts were presented along West Philadelphia's Baltimore Avenue Corridor, prior to the finale on June 14, 2024 at the Cathedral Basilica.
ENGOMA ENTEERA – Summary Video (Sharon Torello, Videographer)
Thursday, September 14, 2023; 7:30 pm
Na'Zir McFadden, conductor
Calvary Center for Culture and Community | 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia 19143 (48th & Baltimore Ave, West Phila)
Mu Kkubo Ery 'Omusaalaba for string orchestra
Abaana Bange for soprano sax, marimba, and electric guitar
Baakisimba Zitujja (2023, Premiere) for prepared harp, marimba, maracas, ankle bells, clapping, and pitched drums
Saturday, April 20, 2024; 12:00 noon-1:00 pm; Free!
Bartrams Gardens Springfest | 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia 19143
Mu Kkubo Ery' Omusaalaba for string quartet
Thursday, May 30, 2024; 5:00-7:00 pm; Free!
Renata's Kitchen – Pop-Ups at the Portal | 3940 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia 19104
Mu Kkubo Ery 'Omusaalaba for string quartet and AfrVbz Dance Party
Monday, June 3, 2024; 4:00-5:00 pm: Free
Cherry Street Pier | 121 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia 19106
Mu Kkubo Ery 'Omusaalaba
for string quartet
Thursday, June 6, 2024; 5:00-7:00 pm; Free
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll | Corner of 44th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia 19104
Okukoowoola Kw'Ekkondeere (2006) for solo horn | Kevin Newton, horn
Engoma Enteera (2006) for 5 timpani and cowbell | Donnie Johns, timpani
Saturday, June 8, 2024; 12:30-2:00 pm: Free
West Philly Porchfest | 4616 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia 19143
Mu Kkubo Ery 'Omusaalaba for string quartet
Friday, June 14, 2024; 7:30 pm
Na'Zir McFadden, conductor
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul | 1723 Race Str, Phila 19103 (18th & Ben Franklin Pkwy/ east of Logan Circle)
Engoma Enteera (2006) for 5 timpani and cowbells
Tumutendereze Kabaka Nannyinimu (2024, Premiere) for antiphonal bugles, chimes, organ, brass choir, and drums
Mu Kkubo Ery 'Omusaalaba (1991, rev. 2023) for string orchestra
Abaafa Luli (1994) for woodwind quintet
Baakisimba Zitujja (2023) for prepared harp, marimba, maracas, ankle bells, pitched drums, and hand clapping
Katonda Yebale (2002) for violin, marimba, maracas, percussion, electric bass guitar, and organ
ENGOMA ENTEERA has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Celebrating Cherry Street Pier’s First 5 Years:
Concerts Featuring Philadelphia Composers – Part 1
Saturday, May 18, 2024; 6:00 pm
Orchestra 2001 Jazz Trio
Mark Allen, alto saxophone | Matt Davis, guitar | Nimrod Speaks, bass
Music by Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, and others
Monday, June 3, 2024; 6:30 pm
Rachel Segal, violin | Samantha Wittchen, harp
Chuck Holdeman – Pier Music for violin and harp (2021; Premiere)
Melissa Dunphy – kommós for solo violin (2011)
Supported by the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia