Nokuthula ngwenyama born

Nokuthula Ngwenyama (No-goo-TOO-lah En-gwen-YAH-ma), known familiarly as “Thula” (TOO-lah), has established herself as a multifaceted artist and collaborator in her roles as both violist and composer, performing as an orchestral soloist, recitalist and chamber musician.

She was born in Los Angeles, CA of Zimbabwean and Japanese parentage.

Ms. Ngwenyama gained international prominence as a violist when she won the Primrose International Viola Competition at age 16 and then the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which led to debuts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the 92nd Street Y in New York; she is also a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

She has performed as a soloist and in recital around the world, including at the Louvre, Suntory Hall and the White House.She is a member of Umama Womama, a trio of composer-players, with Valerie Coleman (flute) and Han Lash (harp, piano).

Her compositions have been performed by leading orche