The Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir is an American volunteer mixed-gender community vocal arts project dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia, Lazona, and neighboring Black Sea and Caucasus regions. In addition to learning repertoire, the series will also explore the folklore, history, and ethnographic context of each song while simultaneously developing ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, and pronunciation. The series will consist of 6 Sunday evenings 7-9pm, 1 weekday master class, and 2 weekend workshops with the visiting Georgian group Adilei and Svan master singers/musicians, the Chamgeliani sisters. Kristine Barrett directs the choir.

details

The Spring 2019 workshop series details:

  • DATES: March 24th, 31st; April 7th, 14th, 28th in Berkeley, 7-9pm. Master classes: April 17th @ 5:30-10pm; April 21st @ 11am-2pm and a public workshop 3-6pm.

  • DIRECTED BY: Kristine Barrett.

  • LOCATION: East Bay and Sausalito, Locations disclosed upon registration.

  • COST: $160-$210 sliding scale.

  • Participation in the choir is by audition or invitation only. Space is very limited.

auditions

The group is currently looking for low voiced singers (men or very low-voiced women), and is closed to higher voiced persons at present. Low-voiced singers interested in auditioning should send raw a cappella audio (mp3) or video recordings of 1-2 vocal pieces showcasing the singer’s ability and range along with a brief description of their singing background. Persons must be familiar with Georgian music and able to strongly maintain pitch, hold one’s part, learn material by ear, and take musical direction. All genders and ages are welcome. Please send audition materials here with a note indicating your interest in the Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir.

registration

For successful auditionees, Kristine Barrett will send details and password for registration at the link below.

Secure link (password required) for registration here.

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ABOUT KRISTINE BARRETT

Kristine Barrett is an artist, composer, and vocalist specializing in traditional music and ritual song. A storyteller at heart, Barrett’s work has been performed, exhibited, and featured in various media festivals throughout North America and Europe, and was recently featured on the acclaimed NPR show The Thistle and Shamrock. In addition to her solo work, Kristine performs with the acclaimed Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble and directs the Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir in Oakland and the Headlands Community Folk Ensemble in Sausalito.