Friday, October 1, 2010

Taft Museum of Art Artist-in-Residence Events of Nokuthula Ngwenyama Nov. 4, 7, 11, & 13

[Nokuthula Ngwenyama]

Cincinnati Enquirer
Janelle Gelfand
October 1, 2010
Nationally recognized violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama is the 2010 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at the Taft Museum of Art. The Robert S. Duncanson Society at the Taft announced the selection on Friday.
She is the Taft's 24th resident artist.

"Ngwenyama is an accomplished musician who earned international attention when at age 17, she won two prominent awards: The Primrose International Viola Competition and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, a Fulbright scholar and has a degree in theological studies from Harvard University.

"In April, she stepped in to make her debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as soloist for Berlioz's 'Harold in Italy' when the scheduled artist was stuck in Europe by the Icelandic volcanic ash in the air. She learned of the Duncanson program during her April visit, when she viewed the Taft's Duncanson murals and described them as 'beautiful, peaceful works of art.' "'I think that it really shows the contribution that African-Americans have made to the fine arts for such a long time,' she said. 'To be able to have a tie to that legacy is a wonderful honor.'

"The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence program recognizes the achievements of contemporary artists of African descent. It also honors the relationship between the distinguished African-American painter Robert S. Duncanson, and his patron, Nicholas Longworth, who commissioned the landscape murals for the foyer of his home, now the Taft Museum. Ngwenyama has recently served on the faculty of Indiana University, and is currently director of the Primrose competition.

"Her concerts have taken her from the White House to Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She has also performed with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, as well as with the orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. During her November residency, she will give public performances and workshops, and will participate in educational activities with students.”

"Duncanson Artist-in-Residence events
Nov. 4 - Reception with the artist. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Taft Museum of Art.

Nov. 7 - Taft Museum of Art Family Concert: Strings and Things with Nokuthula Ngwenyama, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Nov. 11 - Nokuthula Ngwenyama in Recital with pianist Sandra Rivers, 7 p.m., Allen Temple A.M.E Church, 7080 Reading Rd. No reservations taken.

Nov. 14 - Nokuthula Ngwenyama in Recital with Sandra Rivers, piano, 2 p.m., Taft Museum.

All events are free but reservations are required. Information: 513-684-4528 or 4516; http://www.taftmuseum.org." [Nokuthula Ngwenyama (b. 1976) is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a personal website, http://www.Ngwenyama.com]

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