Event

KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble

Kitka is an American women's vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs
and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. Dedicated to developing new audiences
for music rooted in Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women's vocal traditions, Kitka also
strives to expand the boundaries of folk song as a living and evolving expressive art form.

Founded in 1979, Kitka began as a grassroots group of amateur singers from diverse backgrounds
who met regularly to share their passion for the stunning dissonances, asymmetric rhythms,
intricate ornamentation, lush harmonies, and resonant strength of Eastern European women's
vocal music. Under the direction of Bon Singer from 1981 to 1996, Kitka blossomed into a refined
professional ensemble earning international renown for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the
demanding techniques of traditional and contemporary Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian vocal styling.
Under the co-direction of Shira Cion, Juliana Graffagna, and Janet Kutulas since 1997, Kitka has
grown to earn recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chorus America, and the
American Choral Directors' Association as one of this country's premier touring vocal ensembles.
In addition, many international musical authorities consider Kitka the foremost interpreter of
Balkan and Slavic choral repertoire working in the United States.

A frequently occurring symbolic word in Balkan women's folksong lyrics, Kitka means
"bouquet" in Bulgarian and Macedonian.

"Holiness that is earthy, exotic. This is the vocal power of the women of Kitka, a mesmerizing
choral ensemble. With Wintersongs, Kitka taps into something primal and dramatic."
Sacramento News and Review

"A refreshing spin on seasonal choral music... thoroughly marvelous!"
NPR

Tickets: $20 general & $17 members