Engoma Enteera: Classical Music from Uganda

Trained in both Ugandan folk music and Western classical styles, Tamusuza blends polyrhythms, pentatonic melodies, and vocal inflections using extended performance techniques for classical instruments to create a unique sound world that bridges African and European cultural and stylistic boundaries.

Drumming is at the heart of almost all cultures in Africa. Engoma Enterra means “drumming without singing and dancing” in the Luganda language. In Tamusuza’s music for string quartet, woodwind quintet, and mixed ensemble, drumming rhythms will be heard without the use of actual drums, played instead on cello, bassoon, French horn, or electric guitar.

This Orchestra 2001 performance is presented with support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.