Balkan rhythms, swirling skirts and intricate footwork complete the Tamburitzans’ latest production — “The Shared Song: Uniting Cultures Through Music Dance.”
In its 89th season, the popular Pittsburgh-based ensemble uses music, song and dance to showcase various regions around the world such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
In the late 1930s, the Tamburitzans made its home at Duquesne University. To this day, the group consists of college students from Duquesne and other Pittsburgh-area colleges.
For a third year, Monroeville residents Frank and Erin Bozicevic will be sponsoring a show by the Tamburitzans at 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at Gateway High School.
The Bozicevics are Tamburitzan alums, as well as two of their nephews and their partners. Their two oldest sons performed with the Junior Tamburitzans and their third son, Ryan, a senior at Duquesne, also is a Tammie.
“The Tamburitzans and this show are near and dear to our hearts,” Erin said. “But this year’s performance is extra special.”
After years of volunteering and sitting on the board of directors, Frank was appointed as artistic director last spring. This is his first production with the troupe.
Last March, the Tamburitzans traveled to Florida for its annual tour during spring break. While on the road with the ensemble, Frank received the call that he was named the new artistic director following the retirement of George “Butch” Kresovich.
“That was one of the greatest phone calls I ever received. There’s a feeling you get when you know you’re doing something you were meant to do,” Frank said.
The Tamburitzans have a special place in Frank’s heart.
“Those years I spent as a Tamburitzan shaped so much of my life,” he said. “I only wish my parents were alive to experience this with me.”
It has been a whirlwind of activity for Frank to make “The Shared Song” a reality — reviewing audition videos, choosing music and dance numbers, contacting music arrangers and choreographers, attending board meetings and designing video interludes.
And these are just a few of the responsibilities Frank has assumed since accepting his new role — all while maintaining his full-time position as IT project manager for the Croatian Fraternal Union. But as Frank tells his student performers, this “job” is his passion.
Erin has had a front-row view of the work and dedication her husband pours into the ensemble.
“Frank gives 150% of himself to any project that he takes on and is a perfectionist,” Erin said. “He is humbled assuming this leadership role, and it has been a gift watching him put his talents to use for an ensemble that has changed both of our lives in such a significant way.”
This year, the Tamburitzans are comprised of 24 talented, full-time college students. Four current cast members hail from the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh and are thrilled to perform for a home audience: Caryn Caloiero of Plum, Nora Keleschenyi from North Versailles, Kari Leventopoulos of Penn Township and the Bozicevics’ son, Ryan, a Monroeville resident and Gateway graduate.
If you go
What: Tamburitzans’ production of “The Shared Song: Uniting Cultures Through Music Dance,” featuring music, songs and dances from various global regions performed by college students
When: 3 p.m. Jan. 24
Where: Gateway High School, 3000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville
Admission:Tickets range from $12 to $35, with discounts available for students, seniors and groups; all proceeds benefit the Frank and Betty Bozicevic Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Tickets: thetamburitzans.org/events/tickets