January 16, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Maryna Storrs
(801) 863-8897
The traditional music of Kyrgyzstan is coming to UVSC as part of a Rocky Mountain tour. The haunting melodies and exciting rhythms of this ancient music will be performed by the award-winning ensemble, KUT (pronounced “koot”) on Thursday, January 24, at 1 p.m. at GT 416. On Friday, January 25 at 12.45 p.m. they will perform at Timp View High School and on Friday, January 25 at 7 p.m. in the Orem Public Library. The tour of KUT is sponsored by UVSC Office of International Affairs, UVSC music department and Vista 360°, a non-profit organization from Wyoming dedicated to fostering cooperation between mountain people around the world.
The purpose of the tour is to introduce American audiences to this specific kind of music, which evokes the mountains and nomadic way of life of the Kyrgyz people. The primary purpose of KUT’s visit to UVSC is interaction with the students from the music department.
“This event represents a unique opportunity for our students and faculty at UVSC,” said David Fullmer, UVSC orchestra director. “Experiences in ethnomusicology (non-western musical traditions and practices) are important for our students in this global society. Discovering this can help us relate to the broader human picture.”
KUT was formed in 2000 and have received numerous awards at music and folklore festivals in Kyrgyzstan during the past six years. The word, “KUT”, means spirit, soul or life force in the Kyrgyz language. KUT is a family ensemble made up of a husband, wife and three sons. They are a shepherd family based in the village of Bokembaeva in northern Kyrgyzstan. The husband and wife also direct the village music school. They are extremely accomplished musicians who play all the instruments of the region and are dedicated to the preservation of their traditional music.
Accompanying the KUT tour will be a exhibit about life in Kyrgyzstan and a trunk show and sale of Kyrgyz handicrafts.
The tour includes seven concerts, as well as several school programs and jam sessions with local musicians.
KUT will be performing in Bozeman, MT; Sheridan, Wyo; Eden, Utah; Orem and Salt Lake City, Utah; Elko, NV; and Jackson, Wyo.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Megan Laurie
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Written by:
Lisa Rose
(801) 863-8504