SAN FRANCISCO KITKA COMMUNITY CHOIR

A new Kitka Community Choir in San Francisco, led by Kristine Barrett

SFKCC is a community choir based in San Francisco exploring the vocal polyphonic traditions of Caucasus Georgia, the Baltics, Nordic lands, and beyond. From Estonian runic songs and Serbian diaphonics to Georgian table songs and Alilos, the series will focus on music as a form of connection, both to each other as a community of practice, and to broader engagements with the cultures and communities from which we draw our musical content. Folklorist and ensemble director Kristine Barrett will likewise introduce a wide range of material related to the literature/folklore, history, and material culture of each song while simultaneously honing ensemble skills. We will work on blending, breathwork, vocal placement and quality, pitch, dynamics, pronunciation, developing various vocal techniques unique to each tradition, and unlocking the unique sound/color/texture of each singer in relation to the group. Additionally, the series will explore themes related to what it means to practice tradition in the modern world, and the ethics surrounding cultural representation and practice. Though previous experience is unnecessary, the ability to match pitch and sing in tune is preferred. All genders and ages welcome.

Spring Series: Tuesdays 7:45pm-9:45pm, April 16, 23, 30; May 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11. Cost is $250 for the 8-week session.

Kristine Barrett is a multimedia artist, composer and vocalist specializing in traditional music from Eastern Europe, the British Isles, and Northern Europe. Hailing from a long line of folk and classical farmer musicians from the American Midwest and Sweden, her musical career spans rock, early music, experimental new music, and folk. After completing a double BFA in Photography/New Media and Art History from the Kansas City Art Institute, Kristine went on to study composition with Tony Conrad at SUNY Buffalo and the legendary Fred Frith at Mills College, where she received a MFA in Electronic Music Composition and Recording Media in 2006. As of 2023, Kristine also has an MA in Folklore from UC Berkeley. She has released four full-length albums, two EPs, and appeared on several compilation albums.