Eastman Showcase 2005
Bringing American Tunes to Tunisia
DMA candidate Thomas Rosenkranz is already a pianist with a busy and varied schedule, but his recent trip to Tunisia may have been his most unusual gig yet. Sponsored by the U. S. State Department, Tom spent three weeks in the North African country, performing and teaching in the country’s main music schools – and was invited to stay on for a fourth by Riyadh Fehri, a virtuoso on the oud (a lute-like Arab instrument) and director of the Sidi Bou Siad Conservatory. Tom’s recitals introduced many Tunisians to piano music by Gershwin, Ives, John Adams, and other American composers, but he also tried his hand at performing traditional Tunisian music. Along with other Arab and Western musicians, Tom and Riyadh formed a group exploring the fusion of Arab, Western, and flamenco musical instruments and styles that will debut at the Theatre of Tunis on February 18.
Despite a full schedule, Tom did have some free time to explore Tunisia, including the southern desert, where he took a camel ride. He says the area looks much as it must have in biblical times. Tom found the Tunisian people kind and friendly, and he was pleased “to show Americans in a positive light in Arab countries.”
Tom writes about his Tunisian experience on his website, www.thomasrosenkranz.com, and you’ll be able to read more about his musical adventures in the June 2005 issue of Eastman Notes.