HARMONY & DISSONANCEKitka’s 40th Anniversary Celebration & Reunion Concert
Sunday, March 10, 2019
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
First Congregational Church of Oakland (United Church of Christ)
2501 Harrison Street Oakland, CA 94612
KITKA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & REUNION CONCERT
Kitka, Oakland’s own powerhouse women’s vocal ensemble, celebrates their 40th Anniversary with an uplifting evening of soulful songs, stories and recollections gathered over decades of exploring collective singing traditions from Eastern Europe and beyond. More than three dozen women who have contributed their creativity to this trailblazing ensemble’s journey will come together in what promises to be a magical evening of music and memories.
Special guest Bulgarian vocalist and choir master Tzvetanka Varimezova will make a special appearance as director of the Kitka Reunion Choir.
Kitka began in 1979 as a grassroots group of amateur 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 award-winning professional touring ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the demanding techniques of regional vocal styling, as well as for its innovative explorations in new music for women’s voices.
Kitka’s wide-ranging performance, teaching, and recording activities have exposed millions to the haunting beauty of their unique repertoire. Kitka has performed, taught, and conducted cultural exchange activities throughout the USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia. Kitka has produced 14 critically-acclaimed recordings (most recently, Evening Star) and two popular songbooks, and a PBS television special.
