Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Ukraine

Genre

:

Choral

 

Kitka is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in Eastern European vocal traditions. The group was founded in 1979 by a group of women who shared a passion for the music of Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Hungary, Macedonia, Russia, and Ukraine. Over the years, Kitka has become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the world of classical music. The founding members of Kitka were Ellen Cushing, Juliana Graffagna, Shira Kammen, and Bon Singer. They were all students at the University of California, Berkeley, and they shared a love for the rich and complex harmonies of Eastern European vocal music. They began singing together informally, and soon realized that they had a unique sound that was worth sharing with the world. In the early years, Kitka performed mostly in small venues around the San Francisco Bay Area. They quickly gained a following, and their reputation grew as they began to perform at larger and more prestigious venues. In 1984, they released their first album, "Voices on the Eastern Wind," which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. Over the years, Kitka has undergone some changes in membership, but the core sound and mission of the group has remained the same. Today, the ensemble is made up of eight women who are all accomplished musicians and singers. They are: Shira Cion, Kelly Atkins, Janet Kutulas, Caitlin Tabancay Austin, Corinne Sykes, Liana Yeghiazarian, and Leah Wolchok. One of the highlights of Kitka's career was their collaboration with the Kronos Quartet in 1996. The two groups performed together at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, and the resulting album, "Ladomir," was a critical and commercial success. The album featured traditional songs from Bulgaria, Croatia, and Serbia, as well as original compositions by members of both groups. Another notable performance by Kitka was their appearance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. They performed at the opening ceremony, singing a traditional Georgian song called "Tsintskaro." The performance was widely praised for its beauty and authenticity, and it helped to introduce Kitka to a wider audience. Over the years, Kitka has won numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 1999, they received the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that take risks and push the boundaries of traditional choral music. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and their albums have been featured on numerous "best of" lists in publications like The New York Times and National Public Radio. In addition to their performances and recordings, Kitka is also committed to preserving and promoting the rich vocal traditions of Eastern Europe. They have traveled extensively throughout the region, studying with master singers and collecting traditional songs and stories. They have also created educational programs and workshops to share their knowledge and passion with others. In conclusion, Kitka is a truly unique and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their dedication to the vocal traditions of Eastern Europe, combined with their exceptional musicianship and creativity, has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and inspiring groups in the field.

More....