The Tamburitzans will present an all-new show entitled “Legacy,” which highlights Croatian, Serbian, Polish, Spanish, Mexican, Bulgarian and Romani cultures, at 3 p.m. Jan. 26. In its 88th season, the production features new technology, costumes, and format so audiences have a “feeling of immersion in these world heritages,” said Executive Director Alyssa Bushunow.

The Tamburitzans’ mission is “to preserve and celebrate international cultural heritages through artistic performance, while awarding talented performers with scholarships to Pittsburgh-based universities for their contributions and dedication to the Arts,” according the group’s website.

Affiliated with Duquesne University until 2014 when it became an independent, nonprofit organization, the troupe now auditions and accepts students from other Pittsburgh-based universities.

Moran, who lives in Pittsburgh, performed with the troupe from 1996-2000 while a student at Duquesne University. She plans to attend the Mishler show with family and friends. She remains involved with the song and dance ensemble as a member of its board of directors and serves as its secretary. She’s also involved in raising money for the organization. She led its 85th anniversary celebration in 2022 and helped raise $127,000 in one weekend.

Courtesy photos / The Tamburitzans are coming to the Mishler Theatre on Jan. 26 to perform their new show “Legacy.”

“The experience was amazing,” Moran said of her performing days. Students are responsible for all facets of the production from loading and unloading equipment, to lighting and sound as well as tune instruments, repair costumes, do makeup and sell merchandise.

“It really helps you learn how to lead, how to work in a team and get things done,” she said.

Moran previously danced with the Allegheny Ballet Company in Altoona so the Tamburitzans provided another way to continue to dance as well as sing in the ensemble and play the tambura, the instrument from which the group draws its name.

Another Altoonan, Dean Maddox, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., credits his work with the Tamburitzans for helping him get his current job as a manager for an audio-visual production company that puts on dance competitions.

“I love Nashville and moved here with the purpose of getting into the music industry,” said the audio engineer. As a Tamburitzan, the 2014 graduate of Altoona Area High School sang, danced and played drums in the troupe while he studied music at Duquesne. Maddox also plays in the Nashville area as part of the country rock band November Blue.

Courtesy photos / The Tamburitzans are coming to the Mishler Theatre on Jan. 26 to perform their new show “Legacy.”

“It’s been so fruitful. The skills came back around to help me here. I’ve recruited a few people to join. You don’t know what you’re missing. It’s a unique opportunity and there’s nothing else like it.”

The students — called “Tammies” — also go on several cross-country tours a year during school breaks and perform most weekends during the academic year. Both Moran and Maddox said the tours took them to many states and Canada and helped them establish lifelong friendships because it’s a close-knit organization. Both Moran and Maddox are married to other Tamburitzans.

“I absolutely recommend the experience. There is something to be said about being in a situation you are uncomfortable with. I learned so much about group dynamics and have made lifelong friends,” Maddox said.

Moran said the Tamburitzins are looking for people to join next year and she encourages students to apply. For more information, visit www.thetamburitzans.org and click on the auditions tab.

As a Senior Associate Real Estate Counsel for Sheetz Inc., Moran said, “I feel my education was well rounded because of (the Tamburitzans). I’m very thankful for that experience and I want to make sure it continues and we can provide the same opportunity to others.”

Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.