Nokuthula Ngwenyama (b. 1976): An American Violist & Violinist of African and Asian Heritage

[Rubinstein Sonatas; Nokuthula Ngwenyama, viola; Jennifer Lim, piano; EDI Records (2008)]

A teacher who has visited our website would like to introduce African heritage in classical music to students who are primarily Asian. We have replied by email: “Many thanks for your warm words for AfriClassical.com! I hope your students will enjoy learning of some of the people celebrated at the site. One person with Asian ancestry is the violinist and violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama, whose father was Zimbabwean and whose mother was Japanese.” The teacher responded by email: “Thanks for your encouragement. I will look into Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Wow, what a name! I am sure that my students will be hyped.”

Nokuthula Ngwenyama is a prominent American violist and violinist of Zimbabwean and Japanese descent. She was born June 16, 1976, and grew up in Southern California. Ngwenyama maintains a very active schedule of performances, including festivals. Among her recordings is Rubinstein Sonatas, on which she plays viola and Jennifer Lim plays piano. The disc is a 2008 release from EDI Records.

Music Critic Picks: 'Rubinstein Sonatas' of Violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama & Pianist Jennifer Lim

[Rubinstein Sonatas; Nokuthula Ngwenyama, Jennifer Lim; © 2008 EDI Records (884501024150)]

DemocratAndChronicle.com

What our critics are listening to
December 5, 2008
NOKUTHULA NGWENYAMA AND JENNIFER LIM: RUBINSTEIN SONATAS.
The viola is the middle child of string instruments, running into the range of a cello but still treated like the obtuse version of a violin. Luckily, the traditional stereotypes for the viola don't exist for Ngwenyama's, which is likely why she's won so many accolades, including an Avery Fisher Career Grant. Pianist Lim makes her mark here, too, somehow drawing out a similarly dark and smooth texture to match. The Rubinstein Sonatas, often overlooked, offer a touching portrait of Romanticism. — Anna Reguero  [Full Post]  [Nokuthula Ngwenyama (b. 1976) is a Visiting Associate Professor (Viola) at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. “Thula”, as her friends call her, is profiled at AfriClassical.com]  The CD is available from http://cdbaby.com/cd/nnjl