The University of Wisconsin-Superior Music Department will host the Mizizi Ensemble for a special concert with UW-Superior’s orchestra and chorale on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Thorpe Langley Auditorium.

The premier Ugandan music and dance ensemble, the Mizizi Ensemble, was officially founded in 2010, but the roots of the ensemble go back to 1996 when its founder, Okello Kelo Sam, started Hope North School to provide safety, education and opportunity to child victims of Uganda’s civil war.

Music and dance were central to the education and rehabilitation process at Hope North and today, many members of the Mizizi Ensemble are graduates of the school

While the Mizizi Ensemble will be in the Twin Ports holding visits, workshops and presentations throughout the week, this concert will be the only formal public performance of the Mizizi Ensemble in the area and will feature collaboration with UW-Superior’s orchestra and chorus.

“One thing I’ve learned about Ugandan music and the process of putting on concerts is that it’s very improvisatory, full of energy, and connects with everyone on a deeply human level,” said Michael Fuchs, director of choral activities and UW-Superior Music Department Chair.

In June, Fuchs and four members of UW-Superior’s campus community traveled to Uganda for Phase One of a cultural and musical exchange called the Pamoja Project (Pamoja means “community”). 

The Mizizi Ensemble visit to UW-Superior represents the second phase and the continuation of the cultural and musical exchange. While on campus, members of the Mizizi Ensemble will be working with UW-Superior choirs teaching, collaborating and sharing their music.

Tickets are $5 for adults and free for students. Thorpe Langley Auditorium is in Old Main, 1710 Weeks Ave.