Tamburitzans Presents Phoenix Brings Multicultural Traditions to the Stage
PITTSBURGH – WQED Multimedia is proud to premiere Tamburitzans Presents Phoenix, a celebration of ancestral music and dance from Pittsburgh’s world-renowned performance ensemble, founded in 1937. The 90-minute television special premieres Saturday, November 25 at 8:00 p.m. on WQED-TV, followed by a re-broadcast on Sunday, November 26 at Noon.
Filmed live at the award-winning Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University, Phoenix showcases the beauty and brilliance of cultural traditions from Croatia, Bulgaria, the Alpine region, Serbia, Greece, Romania and Ukraine in an exciting stage show, alive with music, song and dance. The show highlights the places “the Tammies” have traveled and the loyal audiences who have followed them for decades.
The Tamburitzans’ energetic arrangements and choreography have inspired audiences around the world for more than 80 years. The current ensemble features 26 talented Pittsburgh-based dancers, singers and musicians who combine skilled athleticism and soulful arrangements to weave a one-of-a-kind stage experience.
As full-time university students, the “Tammies” life is demanding; they must manage their rigorous schedules, balancing rehearsals with national and international tours. In addition to extensive touring, the ensemble hosts up to 60 performances annually in western Pennsylvania, traveling in their dedicated tour bus. With no separate technical crew, the performers and small staff handle all aspects of set-up, performance and tear-down while on the road. Each year, the Tamburitzans conduct highly competitive auditions to fill vacant spots by graduating members.
“Being able to highlight such an energetic performance, full of color and beauty has been a privilege,” says producer Frank Caloiero, a former Tamburitzan, and recipient of multiple Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards and other honors during his tenure at WQED. “The talent flows off the screen and the enthusiasm of each performer is contagious.”
An official preview of Tamburitzans Presents Phoenix is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vI0do9Tc0c
About WQED
WQED Multimedia starts conversations and creates experiences that educate, entertain and inspire our neighbors in Pittsburgh and across southwest Pennsylvania. Founded in 1954 as an experiment in educational community-supported television, WQED was a forerunner to PBS.
Our content creators produce impactful stories that delve into the rich mosaic of our region’s past, present, and future. We cover a wide range of topics, from arts and culture to pressing societal issues that impact our lives. We profile remarkable individuals and organizations who work to strengthen our communities. Our Learning Neighborhoods support children, in partnership with area schools and libraries, and extend to high school students exploring media careers through the WQED Film Academy. Known as “The Voice of the Arts,” WQED-FM provides a vital platform that amplifies our vibrant and diverse cultural assets, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
WQED Multimedia operates WQED-TV (PBS); WQED World; WQED Create; WQED Showcase; WQED PBS KIDS Channel; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel; plus various streams, apps, and interactive experiences.