3/10, KITKA: Harmony & Dissonance, a 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert

KITKA Women’s Vocal Ensemble presents:

KITKA: Harmony & Dissonance, a 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert

Sunday, March 10, 7:30pm-9:30pm, Oakland

MORE INFO: http://www.kitka.org

Kitka, Oakland’s own powerhouse women’s vocal ensemble, celebrates their 40th Anniversary with an uplifting evening of soulful songs, stories and recollections gathered over decades of exploring harmony singing traditions from Eastern Europe and beyond. More than three dozen women who have contributed their creativity to this trailblazing ensemble’s journey will come together in what promises to be an magical evening of music and memories.

Special guest Bulgarian vocalist and choir master Tzvetanka Varimezova will make a special appearance as director of the Kitka Reunion choir.

A women’s vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Kitka has earned global recognition for its distinctive sound, exploring a vast palette of ancient yet contemporary- sounding vocal effects. Kitka’s commitment to presenting traditional song as a living and evolving expressive art form has led to adventurous collaborations with some of the worlds most exciting indigenous musicians, composers, and multi-disciplinary performance artists ranging from Le Mysteres des Voix Bulgares to Meredith Monk.

Kitka began in 1979 as a grassroots group of amateur singers from diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds who shared a passion for the stunning dissonances, asymmetric rhythms, intricate ornamentation, and resonant strength of traditional Eastern European womens vocal music. Since its informal beginnings, the group has evolved into an award-winning professional touring ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the demanding techniques of regional vocal styling, as well as for its innovative explorations in new music for women’s voices.

Kitka’s wide-ranging performance, teaching, and recording activities have exposed millions to the haunting beauty of their unique repertoire.

A frequently occurring symbolic word in Balkan women’s folk song lyrics, Kitka means “bouquet” in Bulgarian and Macedonian.

DATE/TIME:
Sunday, March 10
7:30pm-9:30pm

LOCATION:
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street
Oakland, CA, 94612
510-444-0323
http://www.firstoakland.org

COST/TICKETS/REGISTRATION:
$20-$40.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4074748

MORE INFO:
Website: http://www.kitka.org
Email:
Phone: 510-444-0323
Contact: Shira Cion, Executive Director

About KITKA Women’s Vocal Ensemble:
‘KITKA has gained an international reputation for bringing a contemporary perspective to the sumptuous harmonies, striking dissonances, and angular rhythms of traditional Eastern European music. The ravishing textures of their voices singing in haunting cadences and unfamiliar languages make KITKA’s performances enthralling.’ -SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS