Tamburitzans Documentary to Premiere on ‘WQED-TV’ Series ‘Experience’
In celebration of their 75th anniversary, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, America’s longest-running multicultural song and dance company, will be featured on WQED-TV’s weekly series Experience. This all-access documentary on the troupe and its rich history will premiere at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19.
A trailer for the documentary is now online.
The program was created by two WQED staff members with ties to the Tamburitzans:
- Producer Rebecca Jean Wissner-Born was a junior Tamburitzan
- Videographer-editor Frank Caloiero performed with the Tammies from 1988 until 1992.
“We documented the 75th anniversary celebration in Pittsburgh, traveled to Ohio to visit the Tammie’s first graduate—who is now 98—and then joined the group on the road for a show in Maryland,” said Wissner-Born. “Whether you already know the Tamburitzans or are meeting them for the first time, you will be captivated by their dazzling costumes, explosive performances and unparalleled dedication to cultural performance and preservation.”
The documentary features rare, historic images and old film, but also focuses on what it is like to be a modern-day Tamburitzan. The troupe, which is comprised of full-time students, travels most weekends to perform for audiences across the country.
Following its television premiere, viewers can watch the program on demand at