ENGOMA ENTEERA: Classical Music from Uganda

Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza

Ethnomusicologist

Justinian Tamusuza

Composer

Na'Zir McFadden

Conductor

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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 – 2023-2024 Project Summary  (Sharon Torello, Videographer)

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Ugandan Composers' Association, Kampala


Audio Sample of an Endingidi Trio by Justinian Tamusuza’s Former Students

Thursday, September 14, 2023; 7:30 pm

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.

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