Music

Composing an interplay of music and language 

A Ph.D. candidate in music, composer-pianist Ania Vu brings her Vietnamese roots, Polish upbringing, and experience studying in America to her music compositions and lyrics. She is now writing an original opera for her doctoral dissertation, to be premiered in Philadelphia.

Louisa Shepard

Understanding migration and the arts

In the latest episode of Penn Today’s “Understand This …” podcast series, Obed Arango of the School of Social Policy & Practice, alongside Wolf Humanities Graduate Fellow Shelley Zhang, discuss migration, the arts, and identity.

Brandon Baker

Understanding civic engagement

In the latest episode of Penn Today’s ‘Understand This …’ podcast series, Herman Beavers of the School of Arts & Sciences and Glenn Bryan of the Office of Government and Community Affairs discuss civic engagement—and jazz.

Brandon Baker



Media Contact


In the News


Philadelphia Tribune

Preparing the archives: Sun Ra comes to Kislak Center

Samantha Hill of Penn Libraries discusses the recent acquisition of two collections of archival materials by Sun Ra, a prolific jazz musician and forefather to the Afrofuturist movement.

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CNN

The female rappers we can’t get enough of

Jasmine Henry of the School of Arts & Sciences says that the success of Sugar Hill Records and “Rapper’s Delight,” both created by entrepreneur Sylvia Robinson, significantly contributed to mainstream acceptance of hip-hop.

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The Hill

White House unveils ‘stunning vegetarian menu’ for Modi state dinner

The South Asian a cappella group Penn Masala will perform at the state dinner for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.

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Chilean North American Institute

American Spaces on air — Penn Glee Club

During a tour in Chile, members of the Penn Glee Club are interviewed on a podcast of the Chilean North American Institute.

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Philadelphia Sunday Sun

‘Be Holding’ dives into Black genius and joy

“Be Holding,” a poetry performance that seeks to heal grieving Black families, was directed by Brooke O’Harra and composed by Tyshawn Sorey, both of the School of Arts & Sciences.

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Indian Express

Mumbai this week: New Manav Kaul play, concert by Lucky Ali and a wine-tasting festival

Penn Masala, an undergraduate student group touted as the world’s first South Asian ‘a cappella’ group, is performing in Mumbai this weekend.

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