WORLD RHYTHMS SERIES:
The International Perspective

The University of Dayton’s strong commitment to a diverse and multicultural
environment has led to the development of a wide range of initiatives, among
them the collaboration between the UD Arts Series and Cityfolk—Ohio’s only
full-time, professional presenter of traditional and ethnic performing arts. Based
in Dayton, Cityfolk is a nationally recognized non-profit organization. Since 2003,
Cityfolk and UD have been jointly presenting a unique series of world music
concerts called the World Rhythms Series. The inaugural concerts included Malian
kora player Mamadou Diabate, French gypsy band Les Yeux Noirs and Chinese
pipa player Gao Hong.

These concerts are part of a larger internationalization effort on the part of the
University, led by the Center for International Programs. UD has become a hub of
international exchange and learning, as students from across the world come to the
university to study—and as UD’s students enrich their understanding of the world
through focused degree programs, and academic and service programs abroad.
Together, these efforts help ensure that members of the University of Dayton’s
community develop intellectual and emotional connections with the wider world,
developing a sense of what it means to be part of the “global economy.”

The World Rhythms Series has become the latest—and one of the most powerful—
tool for sharing an international perspective with students. Each concert is a strong
cultural experience. Often, prior to concerts, introductory programs are offered; most
recently, week-long residencies have been developed to enable visiting artists to give
workshops, and to allow students, faculty and staff to meet and converse with the
special guests.