Kitka and Trio Kavkasia in Concert February 20, 2011

"... exotic, beautifully modulated style... haunting beauty... " The New York Times

Kitka returns from their first tour to the Caucasus to present a collaborative concert with Trio Kavkasia, an internationally acclaimed ensemble specializing in the strikingly beautiful traditional harmonies of Caucasus Georgia. Kitka and Trio Kavkasia's program will feature material ranging from gentle lullabies, lyrical love songs, and sublime sacred pieces to rowdy dance tunes and robust table and work songs.

A Georgian song's parts relate to each other like a Mobius strip, with unexpected chords, beating dissonances, and ringing unison tones that create richly ornamented textures that do not follow Western rules of tuning, harmony, or melody.

Trio Kavkasia consists of 3 Americans who share more almost 50 years of experience performing, and teaching the vocal music of Georgia. Kavkasia's authentic sound was perfected during many extended visits to Georgia. The trio spent 1995 as artists in residence in Tbilisi, studying and singing with the greatest living masters of Georgian music. Performing at Tbilisi University and appearing often on national television, the trio became famous throughout the country for their mastery of the rich and extraordinarily beautiful music of Georgia. Recent appearances include performances at Lincoln Center in New York, at the Tbilisi Opera House, and for NPR.

Kitka began in 1979 as a grassroots group of singers from diverse backgrounds who shared a passion for the dissonances, rhythms, ornamentation, and resonant strength of traditional Eastern European women's vocal music. The group has since evolved into an internationally-recognized ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of of Balkan, Slavic and Caucasian vocal styling. Through a busy itinerary of performances, recording, educational programs, artist residencies, commissioning programs, and collaborations, Kitka has exposed millions to their unique repertoire.

Official Website: http://www.kitka.org