KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble: Wintersongs December 4, 2011

"A refreshing spin on traditional seasonal choral music... A thoroughly marvelous concert!" - National Public Radio

Few things evoke the magic of the winter holidays as the transcendent splendor of the human voice raised in song. Kitka has researched and discovered a treasure-trove of seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions. "Wintersongs" showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols to lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works... from mesmerizing pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year to Hebrew chants for Chanukah to original new pieces inspired by the beauty and mystery of wintertime.

Kitka engages in a unique repertoire development process. Each member of the ensemble works closely with native master folk singers and ethnomusicologists, listens to rare archival recordings of traditional Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, and Slavic singers and choral ensembles, or traces the seasonal musical legacies of her own ethnic heritage.

Kitka, which means "bouquet" in Bulgarian and Macedonian, began as a grassroots group of 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 women's vocal music. Since its informal beginnings, the group has evolved into an internationally-recognized professional ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the demanding techniques of Balkan and Slavic vocal styling. Through a busy itinerary of live and broadcast performances, recording, educational programs, master artist residencies, commissioning programs, and adventuresome collaborations, Kitka has exposed millions to the haunting beauty of their unique repertoire.

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