The Kusun Ensemble Performs At Kennedy Center.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in cooperation with the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC presents The Kusun Ensemble the extraordinary ensemble of traditional musicians and dancers based in Ghana as part of a Millennium Stage World Music Festival, a festival that also brings artists from France, Ireland, Mali, Bulgaria and Zimbabwe.

According to a joint release by the Head of Public Affairs of the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC, Mr. Ivor Agyeman-Duah and the Artistic Programming Manager of the Kennedy Center Ms. Garth Ross, The Kunsun Ensemble’s performance (at the Kennedy’s Millennium Stage in Washington DC on Sunday July 20, 2003 at 6pm) will increase ‘awareness of the electric combination of sensual and vibrant dances and the riveting power that master drummers bring of the tropical passion of West African music to the world stage.’

Founded by Nii Tettey Tetteh, the group includes ‘past and presents members of The National Ballet and The Pan African Orchestra. They perform the traditional rhythms of the Ga people as well as other indigenous music from the West African cultures.’

The release says, Nii Tettey has brought together these powerful performers to create a group that interprets the traditional music of Ghana and inspires both local and international audiences to love this music that has been performed for centuries.

‘Musicians chosen understood the cultural importance of the music and who were passionate about sharing it with Ghanaians and the rest of the world,’ it explains.

According to Mr. Agyeman-Duah, the performance, which will be free and open to the public, is one of forthcoming collaborations the Embassy will be having with other cultural and artistic institutions within the Washington DC metropolitan Area.