"Eastern European Folk Traditions": Performance and Discussion with Natalie Nowytski and Mila Ensemble October 8, 2009

Mila is a professional women's vocal ensemble committed to the authentic reproduction of vocal traditions from over 30 countries. While grounded in the harmonic traditions of Eastern Europe, Mila's repertoire also includes music from Central and Western Europe, Asia and the Americas. Mila has performed to international acclaim, always pushing the boundaries of rhythm, harmony and styling.

Mila's nine singers all hail from unique musical backgrounds and have studied with renowned vocalists from Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Spain and Ukraine. Mila owes its accuracy and authenticity to passionate research and rigorous training with native speakers and performers - including two of its current members. Between them, the singers of Mila speak nearly a dozen languages. This versatile ensemble typically performs a cappella but its well-rounded repertoire also makes collaboration with instrumentalists a natural fit. Mila is: Jen Blecha, Laura Lentz, Kerri Meyer, Abby Morrisette, Bernadette Murphy, Marie Rule, Aurore Sibley, Phala Tracy, Lynndelle Wiebenga.

Natalie Nowytski works with Mila Ensemble as a production and voice coach. She is a first-generation Ukrainian-American and Minnesota native, trained classically by her grandmother, the legendary vocal coach Oksana Bryn. Her Ukrainian heritage and love for traditional folk music brought Natalie to the internationally acclaimed Ethnic Dance Theatre in 1996. Natalie frequently conducts multi-level vocal workshops and has served as consultant for various choirs, including The Rose Ensemble and KITKA. Her performance credits include regular appearances with Peter Ostroushko, Ruth MacKenzie, Joe Chvala and the Flying Foot Forum, and Ethnic Dance Theatre. She has also performed several times on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion as well as the prestigious Koprivshtitsa folk festival in Bulgaria.

Official Website: http://www.ias.umn.edu/thursdayscalf09.php