2023
Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, February 12, 2023
BABA: The Life and Death of Stana - Creative Development Residency, Mills College at Northeastern University Peforming Artists in Residency Program, Oakland, CA
Friday, January 20, 2023
Karmina Šilec: The Choregie Method and BABA: The Life and Death of Stana, a lecture at Holland Theater, Mills College at Northeastern University, Oakland, CA
In this lecture, author, composer, and director Karmina Šilec speaks about her “Choregie” process of multidisciplinary meta-composition, shares excerpts of past works, and previews her current work-in-development BABA: The Life and Death of Stana. A collaboration with Mills Performing Artists In Residence Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble.
Thursday, February 23 - Sunday, February 26, 2023
BABA: The Life and Death of Stana / A New Opera by Karmina Šilec / World Premiere, Z Space, San Francisco, CA
Commissioned and performed by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, BABA: The Life and Death of Stana is a contemporary opera by internationally-acclaimed Slovenian director, composer, author, and conductor Karmina Šilec.
BABA is inspired by real and imagined stories of Balkan sworn virgins (women who live as men after taking vows of chastity and celibacy). The tradition of sworn virgins is rooted in a centuries-old social code of law present in remote rural regions of Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. Born as women, life circumstances—including the loss of male relatives in blood feuds or a desire to escape an oppressive arranged marriage—led these individuals to become men to gain the honors, rights, privileges, and freedoms of community patriarchs. The motives for this gender transformation were traditionally social responsibility and family honor, as opposed to sexual preference or feelings of being male by nature. BABA brings to light a disappearing practice of women sacrificing their sexuality and transforming themselves into men as a means of survival in an isolated, dangerous, impoverished, and intensely patriarchal and gender-binary part of the world.
An innovative, non-narrative take on Balkan epic story-singing traditions, BABA explores themes of gender, otherness, choice, virginity, sexual identity, and the complexities of interpreting these Balkan gender-transformation stories through a contemporary, liberal, Western lens.
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Vesnianky: Spring Calling Songs from Ukraine, with Inna Kovtun and Nadia Tarnawsky
Inna Kovtun and Nadia Tarnawsky return to the Kitka Institute to lead an online workshop focusing on spring songs or vesnianky. Vesnianky were sung to wake up slumbering Spring, to send winter away, to fill the earth with songs and laughter to encourage growth.
Saturdays, April 22, May 13, June 10, 2023
In the Garden of Hope: Persian Vocal Workshop Series with Marjan Vahdat, Ellen Webb Studio, Emeryville, CA
Friday, May 19, 2023
Kitka in Concert, Devil Mountain Coffeehouse at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Church, Walnut Creek, CA
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Kitka in Concert, Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station, CA
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Kitka in Concert, Glenview Classical Concert Series at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oakland, CA
Friday, June 2, 2023
Kitka at Chorus America Conference: Closing Concert, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Kitka in Concert, The Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg, CA
Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, 2023
Rusalka and Ivan Kupala Songs from Ukraine, with Inna Kovtun and Nadia Tarnawsky, Ellen Webb Studio, Emeryville, CA
Inna Kovtun and Nadia Tarnawsky teach powerful midsummer ritual songs from Ukraine.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Kitka at the Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
Saturdays, July 8-29, 2023
Pulse of the Mahala: Balkan/Romani Percussion Workshops with Rumen “Sali” Shopov, Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, Berkeley, CA
Bulgarian-born Turkish Romani master percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, and vocalist Rumen "Sali" Shopov offers a series of four workshops exploring traditional drumming techniques and the unique odd-metered dance rhythms of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Turkey, and Greece.
2022
Saturdays, January 22, February 19, February 26, 2022
The Poetic Voice: Persian Singing Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sundays, March 13, March 20, and March 27, 2022
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Workshop Series with Neli Andreeva
Presented in cooperation with Vlada Tomova Music.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Songs for Ukraine: A Vocal Workshop and Fundraiser for Artist-Led Humanitarian Aid in War Zones
Vocalists from Kitka ensemble teach polyphonic Ukrainian songs learned from our beloved Ukrainian friends and folk song mentors from Lviv: Mariana Sadovska and Kurbasy Ensemble. 100% of proceeds from this workshop will be sent to Mariana Sadovska's Ukrainian Aid fund, and the Les Kurbas Theatre Shelter for Internally Displaced Persons in Lviv.
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Polyphonic Mysteries Revealed: Virtual Masterclass with Svetla Stanilova & Elizabeth Ann Setzer
One of Bulgaria’s most highly revered folk singing teachers and choir conductors, Svetla Stanilova, will teach a rare online open rehearsal/class focusing on the work of the late Ivan Spassov, one of Bulgaria’s extraordinary and most unusual composers. The poignant ballad “Balno Li Ti E Sino Ljo” will be the focal point of work during the class. Spearheaded by Elizabeth Ann Setzer, former music director of Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble and a Fulbright Fellow with Svetla Stanilova herself, a vocal quartet was assembled specially for the class. Presented in cooperation with Vlada Tomova Music.
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Traditions: Kitka & Tzvetanka Varimezova in Concert with CalPoly’s Women’s Choir, First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo, CA
A celebration of musical culture, this concert will feature the CalPoly Women’s Choir singing works from several American traditions of music including gospel, spirituals, folk song, Western classical, Native American traditions and more. The concert will also feature the nationally acclaimed Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, joined by a special guest artist, Bulgarian folkloric soprano Tzvetanka Varimezova.
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Mother’s Day Concert & Community with Kitka & Tzvetanka Varimezova, Brooklyn Basin, Oakland, CA
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Kitka and special guest artists Tzvetanka & Ivan Varimezovi in Oakland’s most exciting new outdoor venue! Kitka will offer a concert program showcasing the beauty and vitality of women’s vocal traditions from Balkan, Baltic, Slavic, and Caucasian lands. Following the performance, audience members are invited to stay for a Community Sing in which Kitka and Tzvetanka will share a couple of beautiful, accessible, and fun songs in praise of the mothers in our lives.
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Songs and Ornaments from Graovo - Virtual Masterclass with Radka Alexova
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Songs for Ukraine: Kitka at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, CA
A FREE lunch hour concert where attendees will have an opportunity to make freewill charitable contributions to Nova Ukraine, a Bay Area-based humanitarian aid organization.
Sunday, June 5, 2022
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Evridika Trio & Georgi Petkov - Polyphonic Mysteries Revealed
Online open rehearsal and studio concert. Grand finale of the Bulgarian Master Singers Series, hosted by Vlada Tomova.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Summer Solstice Concert at The Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
The program will feature simultaneous performances in different parts of the building by Bay Area composers, musicians, sound artists, and other performers presenting a variety of acoustic and electronic music, installations, and interactive events; the audience is free to move throughout the building during the performances.
Sunday, June 26, 2022
Yiddish Songs From, About, and For Ukraine, with Sasha Lurje
Ukraine has been a home for Yiddish poets, songsters, and writers for centuries. The music of Jews living in Ukraine influenced, and was influenced in turn, by the music of their non-Jewish neighbors in villages and small towns (shtetlekh), and later in large cities. In this workshop we will explore poets from Kyiv and from the legendary underworld of Odessa, and night songs from neighboring villages. Co-presented with KlezCalifornia and The Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco.
Sundays, August 21, September 18 and 25, 2022
Polyphonic Songs of Ukraine, with Nadia Tarnawsky and Inna Kovtun, an online series
Explore the richness of Ukrainian traditional harmony singing with two marvelous Ukrainian folksong masters, Nadia Tarnawsky and Inna Kovtun. These workshops are open to singers of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and levels of experience. All songs will be taught in the oral tradition. Ability to read Ukrainian or musical notation is not required and some time in the workshop will be spent on creating an authentic Ukrainian village sound appropriate to each song’s region of origin.
Workshop 1: Dereva - Song Trees
Workshop 2: Zhnyva - The Harvest
Workshop 3: Vesillya - The Wedding
Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, 2022
BABA: Creative Development Residency with Choreographer Sidra Bell, Djerassi Artist Resident Artists Program, Woodside, CA
Saturday, October 29 and Sunday November 13, 2022
BABA: Creative Development Residency with Karmina Šilec (Director & Composer), Dorian Petek (Associate Director & Set Designer), and Sidra Bell (Choreographer), The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theater, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Koliada: Winter Songs from Ukraine with Inna Kovtun and Nadia Tarnawsky, an online community sing
Friday, December 9, 2022
Wintersongs - Belvedere, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Belvedere, CA
For more than two decades, Kitka’s annual Wintersongs programs have explored songs from Eastern Europe that summon the return of light and hope in times of difficulty and darkness.
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Wintersongs - Sacramento, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Sacramento, CA
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, St. Bede’s Church, Menlo Park, CA
Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17, 2022
Wintersongs - Oakland, St. Paul’s Church, Oakland, CA
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Wintersongs - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
2021
Wednesdays, January 6 - January 27, 2021
Seeds of Spring: Balkan Songs with Lily Storm
Lily will present a collection of folk songs from Eastern Europe, all on the theme of new beginnings: the end of winter, the promise of spring, renewal, and finding hope in unexpected places. Songs will range from elegantly simple to moderately ornamented. Word sheets, standard notation, and in some cases, “creative” notation (i.e., squiggles) will be provided. Co-presented by Kitka Institute and East European Folklife Center.
Saturdays, January 9, 16, and 30, 2021
The Artistry of Balkan Singing with Tzvetanka Varimezova & Michele Simon
In this workshop series, Michele and Tzvetanka will explore Balkan vocal production and technique and present two beautifully harmonized pieces rooted in Croatian and Bulgarian folk song traditions: "Zaspo Janko pod jablanom" (Janko slept under the poplar tree) and "Dragana i slaveja" (Dragana and the nightingale). Co-presented by Kitka Institute and Zado East European Vocal Ensemble.
Saturday, January 16 - Sunday, February 21, 2021
Landscapes of Persian Song: A Workshop Series with Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat
The focus of each weekend alternated between sessions with Mahsa that guided students on an intensive exploration of dastgah (the Persian modal system of melodic patterns that provide an vocabulary for improvisation and individual expression), and sessions with Marjan that focused on Iran's diverse regional music traditions.
Sundays, February 21, 28, March 7, 2021
Household Harmonies with Hannah Levy
Sundays, April 11, and April 25, 2022
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Gergana Dimitrova
Co-presented by Kitka Institute and Vlada Tomova Music
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Eva Quartet - Open Rehearsal, Lecture-Demonstration, and Mini-Concert
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Song for the Earth: A Vocal Workshop with Briget Boyle
Saturday, April 24, May 22, and June 26, 2021
The Poetic Voice: Persian Singing Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Nina Nana Nini O: A Lullaby Workshop with Briget Boyle
Saturday, May 8, and Sunday, May 9, 2021
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Galina Durmushlijska
Saturday, May 8, and Sunday, May 9, 2021
Leili: A Persian Lullaby Workshop with Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Bulgarian Master Singers Series: Online Concert and Lecture-Demo with The Bistritsa Babi
Saturday, June 5, 2021
The Blessings of Singing: Virtual Workshop with Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat
Mondays and Thursdays, beginning July 19, 2021
Vocal Vitamin: Free Livestream Warmup Sessions with Briget Boyle on YouTube
Saturdays, August 14, 21, 28, 2021
Live Outdoor Hungarian Folk Singing Workshop with Zina Bozzay
Saturday, August 14, and Sunday, August 15, 2021
The Blessings of Singing: Virtual Workshop with Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat
Sunday, August 15, 2021
A Song for My Father: Vocal Workshop with Briget Boyle
Saturdays, August 28, October 23, November 20, 2021
The Poetic Voice: Persian Singing Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Vadalma Live Outdoor Concert, Orly Museum of Hungarian Culture, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Harvest Song: A Virtual Vocal Workshop with Briget Boyle
Sunday, November 14, 2021
A Song Honoring Community: A Virtual Vocal Workshop with Briget Boyle
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Wintersongs - Healdsburg, 222 Performing Arts, Healdsburg, CA
With special guests Cookie Segelstein (violin and viola), and Joshua Horowitz (cimbalom and button accordion)
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Alilo! An Online Georgian Holiday Caroling Workshop with Ketevan Mindorashvili and Zedashe
Streaming live from the historic fortress town of Sighnaghi, Georgia, renowned Georgian folk singer, folk dancer, and chef Ketevan Mindorashvili, joined by a trio of vocalists from her ensemble Zedashe, present a very special online mini-concert and vocal workshop exploring Georgia's rich winter holiday singing traditions.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Wintersongs - Berkeley, Freight and Salvage, Berkeley, CA
With special guests Cookie Segelstein (violin and viola), and Joshua Horowitz (cimbalom and button accordion)
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Wintersongs Community Sing with Kitka, online
2020
Sundays, beginning January 19, 2020
Khidebi Georgian Community Choir, Berkeley, CA
Khidebi is a mixed adult vocal ensemble dedicated to the study and celebration of the vast sonic landscapes of Georgia and its surrounding areas. This 12-week workshop/rehearsal series will focus on the diverse harmonies and vocal techniques of the Caucasus and neighboring Black Sea regions, paying particular attention to the pronunciation, folklore, folk dances, and cultural contexts of the repertoire. Kitka vocalist Hannah Levy directed the Winter/Spring 2020 series.
Tuesdays, beginning February 25, 2020
Headlands Community Folk Ensemble, Sausalito, CA
Ports and harbors are places where culture and ideas are exchanged. From Norwegian sea spells to Ukrainian Rusalka songs, Headlands Community Folk Ensemble is a vocal arts project exploring song traditions from Iceland, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Scandinavia, and the Caucasus. Following ancient trade routes over land and sea, we will also explore the folklore, history, and ethnographic context of each song while simultaneously developing our ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, pronunciation, and various vocal techniques unique to each tradition. Kristine Barrett directs the ensemble.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Love, Death and Revolution: Kitka Hosts an Intimate House Concert with Lorin Sklamberg, Sasha Lurje, and Craig Judelman, Oakland, CA
Featuring the voices of the Klezmer revival, co-founder of the Klezmatics, Lorin Sklamberg (NYC) and established darling of the international Yiddish scene, Sasha Lurje (Latvia/Germany), this new transatlantic collaboration presents an intimate, enchanting evening of Yiddish songs and dance music.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Dialogue and Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat: A Tribute to the Voices of Iranian Women, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, April 26, and Sunday, May 3, 2020
Spring of Hope with Mahsa Vahdat: Online Vocal Workshop
Friday, May 8, 2020
Geshem, Geshem: Official Video Watch Party and Dialogue with the Makers, Facebook Live
Join composer Janet Kutulas and Kitka's intrepid tech-savvy duo Briget Boyle and Kelly Atkins for an interactive watch party and tell-all about how we we pulled off our first virtual choir experiment in time for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest submission deadline. Janet will also share some of the traditional songs from Georgia that influenced her creation. Shira Cion will field your questions for our creative team and share news of other upcoming Kitka quarantine projects.
Mondays and Thursdays, beginning May 11, 2020
Wake Up Singing: Online Vocal Warm-up Sessions with Briget Boyle
Tuesdays, May 12 - June 2, 2020
Balkan Vocal Technique: Online 30-Minute Workouts with Michele Simon
Saturday, May 30 and Saturday, June 6, 2020
Wings of Singing with Mahsa Vahdat: Online Vocal Workshop
Sundays and Wednesdays, beginning May 31, 2020
Russian and Yiddish “Sing With Me” Zoom Workshops with Polina Shepherd
Friday, July 3 - Friday, July 17, 2020
Iron Shoes On Demand Vimeo Stream
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Enlighten the Night with Mahsa Vahdat: Online Vocal Workshop
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Iron Shoes Watch Party with Cast and Crew
Join the creators, cast, and crew for the final online streaming of Kitka and Shotgun Players' 2018 hit contemporary folk opera, IRON SHOES. IRON SHOES transforms three Eastern European fairy tales into interwoven parables of empathy for our times. This will be the first time our amazing team of collaborators will have the opportunity to see the production from the outside in. We invite you to join us for this very special, one-time only, watch party with an interactive chat with composer Janet Kutulas, playwright Michelle Carter, director and choreographer Erika Chong Shuch, and the performers, designers, and production team of IRON SHOES.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Embracing Uncertainty: a Zoom Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, August 20, 2020
Bulgarian Master Singer Series: Yanka Rupkina from Strandja
Produced in partnership with Vlada Tomova of Yasna Voices and Sofia-based ethnomusicologist, singer, and translator Maria Stankova.
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Songs from Lebanon: A Vocal Workshop with Khatchadour Khatchadourian to Benefit Beirut
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Bulgarian Master Singer Series: Gergana Dimitrova
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Water: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Bulgarian Master Singer Series: Silvia Dimitrova
Saturday, October 3 - Sunday, November 1, 2020
Vocal Ecology: Workshops, Lecture, and Concert Series with Svetlana Spajić
Svetlana Spajić is internationally renowned for her work researching, teaching, and performing Serbian traditional singing. She specializes in the unique techniques and meanings of microtonal a cappella song forms. Over the last 25 years, she has roamed the Balkans, studying with the greatest elder village singers. Her collaborators include many greats of global traditional music. The songs Svetlana Spajić performs are, on one hand, uncompromisingly traditional, and on the other hand, completely in step with the research of avant-garde composers and musicians working with microtonality - music that frees our ears from the limitations of tempered Western Classical scales. These are songs that link us to an ancient world where the sacred, the profane, and the secular are all intertwined. These are old songs that carry a timeless resonance for the turbulence and challenges of 21st-century life. This series was produced in partnership with the East European Folklife Center.
Saturday, October 3, 2020
Praying for Rain: A Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Songs of Trees and Fire: A Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Persian Lullabies: A Workshop with Marjan Vahdat
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Bulgarian Master Singer Series: Rumyana Filkova
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Grey Falcon Heralds Spring: A Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Songs to Corn and Bees: A Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
My Voice is My Home: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Bulgarian Master Singer Series: Neli Andreeva
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Ojkalica and Other Howlings: A Lecture-Demo with Svetlana Spajić
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Songs for the Departed: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, November 1, 2020
House Concert with The Svetlana Spajić Group and Bokan Stanković
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Wings of Singing: A Workshop with Marjan Vahdat
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Enlighten the Night: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Tuesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 31
Wintersongs 2020
Daily online musical offerings to summon harmony, healing, and hope in tumultuous times. Wintersongs 2020 offerings included newly produced music videos, highlights from our Wintersongs archives, virtual community vocal workshops, danceable remixes of favorite Wintersongs tracks, seasonal songs, and stories from Kitka singers, our mentors, and our collaborators from around the globe, and much more!
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Separation: A Vocal Workshop with Marjan Vahdat
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Odd-Metered Wintersongs for Odd Times with Briget Boyle
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Embracing Uncertainty: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Singin’ of the Rain: A Vocal Workshop with Janet Kutulas
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Wintersongs Highlights from Old First Concerts, San Francisco
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Household Harmonies for Long Life: A Vocal Workshop with Hannah Levy
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Wintersongs Virtual Community Sing
Kitka presents a very special virtual community sing with special guest song leaders Melanie DeMore and Moira Smiley with whom Kitka has enjoyed long and fruitful collaborative journeys. In this participatory event open to singers of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and levels of experience, Melanie and Moira will share two original new songs, commissioned by Kitka, that will summon community connectedness through collective sounding.
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Wintersongs 2020 Closing Song Cycle
Kitka concludes our 31 days of Wintersongs offerings with a newly recorded visual song cycle that both acknowledges the many sorrows of 2020 and invites a brighter New Year. A lovingly curated cycle of thirteen songs from Greece, Moldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Serbia, Russia, and Romania will guide listeners on an immersive journey, evoking experiences of separation, lamentation, prayer, mending, healing, hope, renewal, and reunion.
2019
January 18, 2019
Vajra Voices & Kitka in Sacred Spaces: The Eve of the March, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA
This event honored the 2019 Women’s March by bringing community members together around this spiritually nourishing music. Each and all of us involved in this project are inspired by the strength and wisdom inherent in mysticism, and by women’s music and vocal traditions distilled over centuries. Featuring Shira Kammen and Theresa Wong.
January 23 - February 27, 2019
Unleash Your Voice: Workshop Series with Briget Boyle, East Bay Community Space, Oakland, CA
In this six-week workshop series, Briget focused on Eastern European singing techniques and how they can be applied to folk and popular styles from other regions. She discussed and demonstrated how to develop a personal, confident, and healthy vocal technique, as well as how to perform effectively alone and in groups.
January 29 - March 19, 2019
Headlands Community Folk Ensemble, Sausalito, CA
Ports and harbors are places where culture and ideas are exchanged. From Norwegian sea spells to Ukrainian Rusalka songs, Headlands Community Folk Ensemble is a vocal arts project exploring song traditions from Iceland, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Scandinavia, and the Caucasus. Following ancient trade routes over land and sea, we will also explore the folklore, history, and ethnographic context of each song while simultaneously developing our ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, pronunciation, and various vocal techniques unique to each tradition. Kristine Barrett directs the ensemble.
February 9, 2019
Kitka Special Appearance at the Chicago Children Chorus’ World Music Festival, UIC Forum, Chicago, IL
The annual World Music Festival explores the rich and diverse musical traditions of various countries and cultures. Members of our Neighborhood Choirs, DiMension and Voice of Chicago present an exciting performance that showcases international repertoire. This event is a key component in the curriculum to create global citizens through music.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Wintersongs - Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall, Chicago, IL
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Harmony & Dissonance: Kitka’s 40th Anniversary Celebration & Reunion Concert, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Kitka celebrated its 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 contributed their creativity to this trailblazing ensemble's journey came together for a magical evening of music and memories. Special guest Bulgarian vocalist and choir master Tzvetanka Varimezova made a special appearance as director of the Kitka Reunion Choir.
March 24 - April 28, 2019
Temple of Light Georgian Choir, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
The Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir is an American volunteer mixed-gender community vocal arts project and workshop series dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia, Lazona, and neighboring Black Sea and Caucasus regions. The Choir was directed by Kristine Barrett.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Resilient Creativity: Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Workshop Series. Kitka was truly honored to have the opportunity to present a vocal workshop and intimate dialogue on creativity and resilience with the exquisite vocalist and cultural activist Mahsa Vahdat from Tehran, Iran.
Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 2019
Intimate Winery Concerts with Adilei and the Chamgeliani Sisters, Eristavi Winery, San Francisco, CA
Kitka, in collaboration with the Eristavi Family Winery, was thrilled to present two rare Bay Area performances by the Georgian vocal ensembles Adilei and the Chamgeliani Sisters in the magical, intimate barrel room of the Eristavi Family Winery.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Georgian Folk Singing Workshop with Adilei and the Chamgeliani Sisters, Eristavi Winery, San Francisco, CA
Friday, April 26 and Sunday May 5, 2019
Renaissance by Amy Seiwert with Music by Kitka, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA
After ten years as Smuin’s Choreographer in Residence, master dance maker and new artistic director of Sacramento Ballet Amy Seiwert returns with a thrilling world premiere titled Renaissance. Set to the prerecorded music of Kitka, Seiwert’s Renaissance explores music from Eastern European traditions as it honors the strength of community and women standing together.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Armenian Modal Chant Workshop with Aram & Virginia Kerovpyan, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Friday, May 3, 2019
Songs of the Soul: Sacred Music with Kitka Trio, Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley, CA
An intimate celebration of Sacred music presented by Taneen Sufi Music Ensemble, bringing the longing of the Sufi poets to life with original music rooted in Sufi practice; and Kitka Trio, offering a breathtaking repertoire of traditional songs from the Balkans, Caucasus and Slavic lands.
Saturday, May 22, 2019
Up Close Series with Kitka, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City, CA
A special musical program inspired by The Shabbat Project, an exhibit by textile artist Laurie Wohl. The Shabbat Project was inspired by the Kabbalat Shabbat service that welcomes the Sabbath. Wohl's Unweavings® fiber art pieces interpret and embed Kabbalat Shabbat prayers, psalms, and nigunim (wordless songs). The pieces were presented in this exhibition in their musical context.
Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019
Renaissance by Amy Seiwert with Music by Kitka, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Intimate Concert with Saina, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saina is an indigenous singer from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. She comes from a mixed heritage of native Siberian people, the Sakha and teh Evenk. Saina performs songs that have been passed down through the generations. She has studied with tribal elders and maintains the authentic timbres and intonations of these ancient songs. Saina sings in the traditional style and accompanies herself on instruments like the khomus and the shamanic drum. Her songs are a rich illustration of the Siberian landscape, with themes ranging from celebratory songs, shamanic rituals, and tunes that accompany everyday life of Siberia's nomadic peoples. Saina has presented the culture of her ancestors to audiences throughout North America, Russia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26, 2019
Renaissance by Amy Seiwert with Music by Kitka, Mountain View Center for the Arts, Mountain View, CA
Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, 2019
Renaissance by Amy Seiwert with Music by Kitka, Sunset Center, Carmel, CA
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Kitka and Kostroma in Concert, St. Cyprian’s Church, San Francisco, CA
A concert of old Slavic ritual songs for spring and summertime performed by Kitka and Russian House Kedry's Kostroma Vocal Ensemble. Russian House Kedry is made up of immigrant families who live in Silicon Valley with the goal to create a rich cultural and linguistic environment for the Russian-speaking community and beyond.
Sunday, June 2, 2019
My Voice is My Home: A Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Tuesdays, June 18-30, 2019
Unleash Your Voice: Workshop Series with Briget Boyle, East Bay Community Space, Oakland, CA
Friday, June 21, 2019
Kitka in Concert at New Music Bay Area’s Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
The Garden of Memory is a popular summer solstice festival featuring simultaneous performances in the many chapels and courtyards of the beautiful The Chapel of the Chimes columbarium. Dozens of Bay Area musicians, composers, and sound artists present an astonishing variety of acoustic and electronic music performances, installations, and interactive events throughout the building. Getting lost is part of the experience as guests climb up and down the three floors through a maze of gently illuminated gardens, cloisters, alcoves, stairwells, fountains and other architectural elements which rise into vaulted ceilings created by notable architects including Julia Morgan.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Pranayama (Yoga Breathing) for Singers with Myroslava Symonenko and Corinne Sykes, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Oakland Supra by Chef Elaine Osuna with Georgian Songs by Kitka, À Côté, Oakland, CA
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Kodály Center 50th Anniversary and Reunion Opening Event with Special Guests Kitka, Kodály Center, Holy Names University, Oakland, CA
Kitka was honored to be the special guest at the opening event for Kodály Center’s 50th Anniversary and Reunion. Celebrating 50 years of excellence in music education, Kodály Center purpose is to advance Zoltán Kodály’s vision of music for all, providing quality, accessible and inclusive music education for diverse communities and cultures.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Lullabies: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Kitka at the Fort Ross Festival, Fort Ross Conservancy, Jenner, CA
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Summer in Sonoma County? Join us on July 27th for Fort Ross Festival! Where else can you witness Kashia Pomo ceremonial dancing, sing along to Americana Swing, learn from Alaska Native craftspeople, and take in traditional Russian performances, all together on the most beautiful stretch of the Sonoma coast? Grab a pint from our Beer Garden and enjoy an amazing day celebrating different cultures. Back by popular demand, join the Fort Ross Militia for Musket and Cannon Firings, and have a BLAST at Fort Ross!
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Unleash Your Voice Intensive with Briget Boyle, East Bay Community Space, Oakland, CA
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Caravan of Life: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Tuesdays, beginning September 3, 2019
Zele Community Chorus, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Led by Kitka singer Janet Kutulas, the group is comprised of 20+ women of all ages. Learning traditional folksongs and choral arrangements from the Balkans and the Caucasus, the group stops along the way to hone ensemble skills and study regional vocal placement, stylistic subtleties, language, and to enjoy the incredible harmonies of both the music and the good fellowship of the group.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
ResoNation: Sacred Sounds Beyond Borders, Opening Night, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA
The Graduate Theological Union is pleased to announce ResoNation: Sacred Sounds Beyond Borders, a sacred world music convocation that will present music that celebrates and heals the human spirit, transcends borders, and engages the whole person and wider community.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
ResoNation: Community Music Day, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA
A free community music day for all ages on the Pacific School of Religion campus! Featuring participatory workshop sessions with: Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, Threshold Choir, Nigun Collective, Catherine Braslavsky, Rev. Ann Jefferson, Mahsa Vahdat, Miriam Peretz and more!
Sundays, beginning September 22, 2019
Khidebi Georgian Community Choir, Berkeley, CA
"Khidebi" (Bridges) is a new incarnation of Kitka's Georgian Community Choir! Khidebi is a mixed adult vocal ensemble dedicated to the study and celebration of the vast sonic landscapes of Georgia and its surrounding areas. This 11-week workshop/rehearsal series will focus on the diverse harmonies and vocal techniques of the Caucasus and neighboring Black Sea regions, paying particular attention to the pronunciation, folklore, folk dances, and cultural contexts of the repertoire. Kitka vocalist Hannah Levy will direct the inaugural, Fall 2019 series. Khidebi's inaugural series will also include a rehearsal led by Kitka’s Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir founder Kristine Barrett on November 10, a masterclass with Georgian folk song master/scholar Carl Linich on November 24, as well as visits from other surprise special guest artists.
Mondays, beginning September 23, 2019
Unleash Your Voice for Beginners with Briget Boyle, East Bay Community Space, Oakland, CA
Wednesdays, beginning September 25, 2019
Unleash Your Voice Choir with Briget Boyle, East Bay Community Space, Oakland, CA
The Unleash Your Voice Choir is a mixed voice group with a focus on developing freedom in each voice while creating a strong and polished sound. We will work on language, vocal tone, ornamentation, and blend. The music will include songs that have been featured in the Unleash Your Voice Series and new selections from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Kitka at the Fibershed Gala: The Practice of Belonging, Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma, CA
Friday, October 4, 2019
Armenian Folk Dances: A Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan, Bethany Lutheran Church, Menlo Park, CA
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Armenian Folk Dances: A Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan, Monroe Hall, Santa Rosa, CA
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Armenian Lullabies: A Vocal Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Kitka & Hasmik Harutyunyan in Concert: Gorani—Love Songs to Lost Homelands, Schroeder Concert Hall, Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
One of Armenia's leading folk singers, Hasmik Harutyunyan is world-renowned for her work with Yerevan's Shoghaken Ensemble and for her mellifluous renditions of Armenian lullabies, one of the most ancient and evocative genres in Armenian music. Her quietly passionate interpretations of lullabies from historical villages across the Armenian plateau offer a mesmerizing glimpse at a lost world. Hasmik Harutyunyan draws strength and inspiration from her ancestors in the province of Mush in Historic Armenia, especially her grandmother, Mafo, who sang to her as a child. In addition to songs sung by her family, Hasmik learned many of the songs in her repertoire from elder women who had emigrated from Anatolia to eastern Armenia before or during the Armenian massacres and genocide of 1915, as well as from their descendants and old song collections.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Kitka & Hasmik Harutyunyan in Concert: Gorani—Love Songs to Lost Homelands, St. Vartan’s Armenian Church, Oakland, CA
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Kitka & Hasmik Harutyunyan in Concert: Gorani—Love Songs to Lost Homelands, Hammer Theater, San Jose, CA
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Hope: A Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Friday, November 22, 2019
Georgian Harmonies: A Workshop with Carl Linich, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Igor Stravinsky was fascinated by it. Kate Bush and Billy Joel fell for it. The Coen brothers used it in The Big Lebowski. What's it all about? The greatest traditional polyphonic music on the planet! Come learn folk songs from the Republic of Georgia with Carl Linich. Songs will be taught orally, using word sheets. All you need are open ears & hearts, and the willingness to give it a try. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and all levels of musicianship are welcome.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
The Music of Georgia: A Conversation and Performance by Carl Linich, Berkeley, CA
Friday, December 6, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - Santa Cruz, Peace United Church, Santa Cruz, CA
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - San Rafael, Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts, San Rafael, CA
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - Menlo Park, Arts at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - Oakland, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Wintersongs Community Sing, Nile Hall in Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Kitka at Filoli’s Winter Solstice Celebration, Filoli, Woodside, CA
Friday, December 20, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - Arcata, Arcata Playhouse, Arcata, CA
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - Gualala, Gualala Arts, Gualala, CA
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Wintersongs: Weathering the Storm - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
2018
January 14 - March 4, 2018
Temple of Light Georgian Choir, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
The Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir is an American volunteer mixed-gender community vocal arts project and workshop series dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia, Lazona, and neighboring Black Sea and Caucasus regions. The Choir was directed by Kristine Barrett and Briget Boyle.
February 12 - March 30, 2018
Zele Community Chorus, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Led by Kitka singer Janet Kutulas, the group is comprised of 20+ women of all ages. Learning traditional folksongs and choral arrangements from the Balkans and the Caucasus, the group stops along the way to hone ensemble skills and study regional vocal placement, stylistic subtleties, language, and to enjoy the incredible harmonies of both the music and the good fellowship of the group.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Kitka performs at the California Choral Directors Association Conference, St. Joseph’s Basilica, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, March 15 - Sunday, May 6, 2018
Shotgun Players & Kitka present: Iron Shoes, Ashby Stage, Berkeley, CA
A contemporary folk opera that reimagines Eastern European fairy tales as radical new stories for our time, Iron Shoes brings together a rambunctious, world-class ensemble of vocalists, dancers, and actors to evoke what it really means to walk a mile (or around the earth) in someone else’s shoes.
Sunday, March 18 - Sunday, April 22, 2018
Resilient Creativity: Persian Singing Circle with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Workshop Series. Kitka was truly honored to have the opportunity to present six vocal workshops and intimate dialogues on creativity and resilience with the exquisite vocalist and cultural activist Mahsa Vahdat from Tehran, Iran.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Kitka at the Pomeroy, Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Kitka at Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
A magical event in the gorgeous Julia Morgan-designed columbarium, Garden of Memory is dedicated to the discovery of music that pushes boundaries - electroacoustic, new classical, unusual jazz, new approaches to world music, or anything unique.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Serbian Harmonies: A Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Offering an introduction to Serbian singing, folk dances, and oral poetry this workshop also explored how drawing from the deep well of traditional culture can help us develop individual and collective powers of perception, expression, and imagination.
July 8 - August 28, 2018
Temple of Light Georgian Choir, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
The Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir is an American volunteer mixed-gender community vocal arts project and workshop series dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia, Lazona, and neighboring Black Sea and Caucasus regions. The Choir is directed by Kristine Barrett.
July 10 - August 26, 2018
Headlands Community Folk Ensemble, Sausalito, CA
Ports and harbors are places where culture and ideas are exchanged. From Norwegian sea spells to Ukrainian Rusalka songs, Headlands Community Folk Ensemble is a vocal arts project exploring song traditions from Iceland, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Scandinavia, and the Caucasus. Following ancient trade routes over land and sea, we will also explore the folklore, history, and ethnographic context of each song while simultaneously developing our ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, pronunciation, and various vocal techniques unique to each tradition. Kristine Barrett directs the ensemble.
July 25 - August 29, 2018
Unleash Your Voice: Workshop Series with Briget Boyle, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
In this six-week workshop series, Briget focused on Eastern European singing techniques and how they can be applied to folk and popular styles from other regions. She discussed and demonstrated how to develop a personal, confident, and healthy vocal technique, as well as how to perform effectively alone and in groups.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Golosa: Slavic Voices at the Fort Ross Festival, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner, CA
A truly magical day featuring Kitka, Russian House Kedry, Dolina, Slavyanka, Zabavushka, Kalinka, SF Balalaika Ensemble, and a special ceremonial performance by the Su Nu Nu Shinal Kashia Pomo Dancers, and much more... including crafts, international foods, and the stunning Sonoma coastline.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Songs & Stories: An Evening of Georgian Folk Tales and Songs with Temple of Light Georgian Choir, Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, Berkeley, CA
An evening of oral storytelling and traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia. Kitka’s Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir and storyteller Dana Sherry wove together folktales, legends, and ancient melodies that transported the listener across the Black Sea, through the Caucasus Mountains, and beyond.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Georgian Folk Singing: A Workshop with Ketevan Mindorashvili, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Prepare to be uplifted and blown away by the exquisite and unusual harmonies of traditional Georgian vocal music! Learn about the history of Georgian music while Ketevan Mindorashvili, director of Georgia's Zedashe Ensemble, teaches you songs from this storied country which is the birthplace of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating polyphonic singing traditions.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Let Her Sing: A Celebration of Female Voices, Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
Dozens of female vocalists and a group of musicians came together to celebrate the female voice: suppressed, censored, and threatened in some parts of the world, featuring a special appearance by Kitka with Ketevan Mindorashvili (direct from Georgia).
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Kitka presents: SupraClub!, The Punchdown, Oakland, CA
A Georgian ritual feast meets the modern California supper club! An evening of Georgian-Californian fusion cuisine prepared by Port and Provisions' Chef David Johnson, natural wine pairings by Pheasant's Tears and The Punchdown, and uplifting toasts and soulful table songs by Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, joined by special guest Georgian song master Ketevan Mindorashvili.
September 25 - November 13, 2018
Headlands Community Folk Ensemble, Sausalito, CA
Ports and harbors are places where culture and ideas are exchanged. From Norwegian sea spells to Ukrainian Rusalka songs, Headlands Community Folk Ensemble is a vocal arts project exploring song traditions from Iceland, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Scandinavia, and the Caucasus. Following ancient trade routes over land and sea, we will also explore the folklore, history, and ethnographic context of each song while simultaneously developing our ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, pronunciation, and various vocal techniques unique to each tradition. Kristine Barrett directs the ensemble.
September 25 - October 30, 2018
Unleash Your Voice: Workshop Series with Briget Boyle, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
In this six-week workshop series, Briget focused on Eastern European singing techniques and how they can be applied to folk and popular styles from other regions. She discussed and demonstrated how to develop a personal, confident, and healthy vocal technique, as well as how to perform effectively alone and in groups.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, Art at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Wintersongs Community Sing, Santa Cruz, CA
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Wintersongs - Santa Cruz, Veterans Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Wintersongs - San Rafael, Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts, San Rafael, CA
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Wintersongs Community Sing with Tzvetanka Varimezova & Kitka, Nile Hall, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Friday, December 14, and Saturday December 15, 2018
Wintersongs by Candelight, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland
2017
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Wintersongs - Gualala, Gualala Arts, Gualala, CA
Friday, February 17, 2017
Songs to the Beloved: Mahsa Vahdat & Kitka, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Two of the world’s foremost exponents of international women's folk-based music, exploring the many faces of love, expressed by powerful, courageous artists rooted in some of the worlds most passionate women's vocal traditions.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Songs to the Beloved: Mahsa Vahdat & Kitka, SF Live Art at Cyprian’s, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26, 2017
Resilient Creativity: Vocal Workshop with Mahsa Vahdat, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Vocal workshops and intimate dialogues with the exquisite vocalist and cultural activist Mahsa Vahdat from Tehran, Iran.
February 26 - May 7, 2017
Temple of Light Georgian Choir, Omni Commons, Oakland, CA
The Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir is an American volunteer mixed-gender community vocal arts project and workshop series dedicated to the study and performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia, Lazona, and neighboring Black Sea and Caucasus regions. The Choir is directed by Kristine Barrett.
February 28 - May 15, 2017
Zele Community Chorus, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Led by Kitka singer Janet Kutulas, the group is comprised of 20+ women of all ages. Learning traditional folksongs and choral arrangements from the Balkans and the Caucasus, the group stops along the way to hone ensemble skills and study regional vocal placement, stylistic subtleties, language, and to enjoy the incredible harmonies of both the music and the good fellowship of the group.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Igniting Joy! (5th Annual Gala): Kitka and the Young Women’s Choral Project, Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, CA
A powerful musical journey from the ethereal sounds of contemplative folk melodies to rousing contemporary compositions of pure joy.
March 22 - May 10, 2017
Vocal Skills Lab with Caitlin Tabancay Austin, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Kitka & Russian House Kedry at the Fort Ross Spring Festival, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner, CA
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Kitka at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir & Sayat Nvaq Ensemble in concert, Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, May 21, 2017
Vocal Embroidery: Ornamental Techniques from Bulgaria & Georgia, Oakland, CA
An intermediate/advanced workshop focused on various melismatic vocal techniques used in repertoire from Bulgaria and eastern Georgia.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Bulgarian Harmonies: A Vocal Workshop with Tzvetanka Varimezova, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
The vocal techniques and extraordinary harmonies of Bulgarian music have entranced music lovers around the the globe. The brilliant tonal clarity and vocal agility of Bulgarian singers is universally appreciated and many musicians from other traditions have expressed a deep interest in decoding the mystery of the Bulgarian voice. Tzvetanka Varimezova has taught traditional Bulgarian vocal techniques, folk songs, and choral repertoire around the world for more than two decades and is a master of helping non-Bulgarian singers discover their open voice.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Kitka Trio at San Anselmo Library, San Anselmo, CA
A trio of Kitka singers (Janet Kutulas, Kelly Atkins & Kristine Barrett) brought the magic of music from Bulgaria, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia and beyond in an intimate space in beautiful San Anselmo.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Serbian Harmonies: A Lecture-Presentation & Vocal Workshop with Svetlana Spajić, First Congregational Church, Oakland, CA
Offering an introduction to Serbian singing, folk dances, and oral poetry this workshop explored how drawing from the deep well of traditional culture can help us develop individual and collective powers of perception, expression, and imagination. Presented in cooperation with the East European Folklife Center.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Kitka at Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
A magical event in the gorgeous Julia Morgan-designed columbarium, Garden of Memory is dedicated to the discovery of music that pushes boundaries - electroacoustic, new classical, unusual jazz, new approaches to world music, or anything unique.
Thursday, June 22 - Saturday, July 8, 2017
Iron Shoes Residency, Shotgun Players, Ashby Stage, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Kitka Performs at Balkan Music & Dance Workshop, Mendocino Woodlands, Mendocino, CA
Kitka performed with Svetlana Spajić at the East European Folklife Center’s West Coast Balkan Music & Dance Workshop.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Fort Ross Summer Festival with Kitka, Russian House Kedry & Friends, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner, CA
Fort Ross Conservancy and California State Parks celebrated summer at the annual Fort Ross Festival! FRF is an incredibly diverse event that reflects the rich history of Fort Ross. The beloved cadre of skilled volunteers worked alongside our Kashia, Russian, Alaska Native, and early Ranch communities to offer family-friendly activities, both soulful and rollicking performances, hands-on crafts, and live demonstrations. Music from Kitka, Russian House Kedry, Su Nu Nu Shinal, San Francisco Balalaika Ensemble, Slavyanka Chorus, Dolina and more.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Vocal Workshop: A Singing Journey Through the Steppes and the Shtetl, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Led by Polina Skovoroda Shepherd (Russia/UK), one of Europe's leading musicians in this field, and Lorin Sklamberg (USA), a Grammy-winning singer and internationally acclaimed specialist of the style.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
The Izba, the Shtibl, and the Global Village, Piedmont Piano Company, Oakland, CA
Yiddish and Russian songs performed by Lorin Sklamberg (The Klezmatics/NYC), Polina Skovoroda Shepherd (Russia/UK), and Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
International Russian Choral Music Festival, St. Mark’s Church, San Francisco, CA
The Slavyanka Russian Chorus hosted the 2nd Russian Choral Music Festival in the San Francisco Bay Area -- introducing Bay Area audiences, singers and directors to some of the greatest choral works of the Russian choral tradition.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Kitka Community Choirs Fall Recital, Omni Commons, Oakland, CA
Featuring Temple of Light Georgian Community Choir, directed by Kristine Barrett; and Zele, directed by Janet Kutulas.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Kitka at the Devil Mountain Concert Series, Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Walnut Creek, CA
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Wintersongs - Santa Cruz, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Santa Cruz, CA
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Wintersongs - San Rafael, Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael, CA
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, Arts at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Friday, December 15, 2017
Wintersongs by Candlelight - Oakland, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Wintersongs - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 17, 2017
7th Annual Wintersongs Community Sing with Kitka, Nile Hall, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Wintersongs at Filoli, Woodside, CA
2016
Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 2016
Callings: Ukrainian Ritual Songs Workshops with Mariana Sadovska, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Kitka: Special Appearance with Mariana Sadovska at the Kronos Festival 2016—Explorer Series, SF Jazz Center, San Francisco, CA
Dynamic composer and performer Mariana Sadovska concluded an afternoon of intimate concerts in the Joe Henderson Lab. Sadovska combines a love of the traditional songs, stories and rituals of her native Ukraine with a cosmopolitan, experimental sensibility, creating solo and chamber works of “pure vitality” (New York Times). She was joined for part of her set by Kitka, for selections from her Ukrainian Callings series, based on a collection of songs she learned from rural Ukrainian women.
Tuesday, March 1 - Tuesday May 3, 2016
Beloved Balkan Songs: A Workshop Series, Berkeley, CA
In this workshop series, Shira Cion and Rumen “Sali” Shopov shared some of the most beloved folk songs sung at gatherings of everyday people in communities throughout the Balkans.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Esma Redžepova, “Queen of Romani Song,” and Her Folk Masters Band, Oakland, CA
Part of Voice of Roma’s 19th Annual Herdeljezi Festival
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Bulgarian Folk Singing Workshop with Tzvetanka Varimezova, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Tuesday, June 7 - Sunday, June 19, 2016
Ground Floor Residency Program, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Berkeley, CA
We used this opportunity to immerse ourselves in the development of the fully-staged version of our futuristic neo-feminist folk opera Iron Shoes, a collaboration between Kitka, our brilliant composer-from-within Janet Kutulas, director/choreographer Erika Chong Shuch, librettist Michelle Carter, and dancer-actors from the ESP Project.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Vocal Workshops with Elizabeth Setzer, El Cerrito and Oakland, CA
Elizabeth Setzer, former member and musical director of Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, gave two afternoon singing workshops in which she taught folk songs from the Balkan and Caucasus regions, as well as some original compositions from the Kitka-commissioned song cycle “Apple Blossoms and Brine” (New Folksongs From Within, 2013).
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
New Music Bay Area’s “Garden of Memory,” Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
Kitka launches our Remix Project at New Music Bay Area's 2016 Garden of Memory New Music Festival with 3 sets remixed live by Pamela Z, Jim Greer (Rondo Brothers), and Rich DDT.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Film Screening: Green Yayla—A Festival Story, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
A project of the Gola Culture, Arts and Ecology Association, Green Yayla: A Festival Story is a documentary directed by Ilkay Nisanci and edited by Kutay Derin Kugay. This 90-minute film tells the story of the Green Yayla Festival, from its conception to its final event in a dramatic narrative showcasing an abundance of music, dance, social and ecological themes. This film offers a poignant glimpse into the traditional indigenous Laz Culture of the Eastern Black Sea region.
Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, 2016
Courageous Creativity: Vocal Workshops with Mahsa Vahdat from Tehran, Iran, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Kitka at the Fort Ross Festival, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner, CA
A day of international flavors and cultures with live music & dance, costumed historical vignettes, hands-on crafts for all ages, horse and buggy rides, an International Food Bazaar—and of course, the Fort Ross Beer Garden!
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Kitka at the Pacific Voice Conference, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
The crowning concert of the XXIV PVC. This Gala Performance titled “One Larynx, Many Voices” featured performances by SFCM voice faculty and students as well as many outstanding guests vocal artists.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Georgian Polyphonic Folk Singing: A Workshop with Ensemble Basiani, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Friday, October 21, 2016
Ensemble Basiani in Concert with Special Guest Kitka, First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Master performers in Georgia's ancient polyphony tradition, Ensemble Basiani sings religious hymns, monastic chants, epic ballads, and folk and work songs from its Eastern European homeland, the choir's stirring power matched by consummate musicianship and control. "A near psychedelic groove of unusual harmonies, rhythmic intensity and sheer beauty"—The Herald Tribune. Presented by Cal Performances
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Georgian Folk Singing Workshop with Carl Linich, Robinson Classrooms, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Amira, Queen of Sevdah, First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA
Sarajevo-born Amira Medunjanin is one of the most influential female singers from the Balkans. Since her impressive performance in the Cultural Olympiad for the 2012 London Olympic Games, she has been hailed as “one of the great voices of her generation, and almost certainly the finest from eastern Europe” by The Observer. Presented in cooperation with Peer 97 Music Group
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Bulgarian Harmonies: A Vocal Workshop with Tzvetanka Varimezova, Omni Commons, Oakland, CA
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Wintersongs - San Rafael, Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael, CA
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, Arts at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Wintersongs - Santa Cruz, Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz, CA
Friday, December 16, 2016
Wintersongs by Candlelight - Oakland, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Wintersongs - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Musical Reflections of 2016: A Free Community Memorial Event, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
A free four-hour musical community gathering in honor of those we lost this year, including the Ghost Ship fire victims and beloved composer Pauline Oliveros.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
6th Annual Wintersongs Community Sing with Kitka, Nile Hall, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Sonatas and Songs for a Friend, Berkeley Piano Club, Berkeley, CA
A musical salon-benefit to help Kitka mentor Lou Ann Lucke beat breast cancer.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Kitka Lecture-Demonstration, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Friday, January 30, 2015
Kitka Quartet Offers a Presentation on “The Harmony of Dissonance”, Mountain Yoga, Oakland, CA
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Family Concert (presented in cooperation with Young Audiences of Northern CA), Presidio Officers Club, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Yiddish Folk Singing Workshops with Ethel Raim, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Yiddish Folk Singing Workshops with Ethel Raim, Berkeley, CA
Friday, February 20, 2015
Kitka Special Appearance at Girls’ Choral Festival, Sebastopol, CA
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Kitka Presents: Ukrainian Folk Singing Workshop with Nadia Tarnawsky, Berkeley, CA
Friday, March 6, 2015
Kitka Concert, San Geronimo Valley Community Cultural Center, San Geronimo, CA
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Kitka Live at Mission Blue, Brisbane, CA
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Kitka Concert, Jewish Music Festival, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Switchboard Music Festival, BRAVA Theater, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The Art of Invisibility: A Georgian Polyphonic Singing Intensive with Aleksandra Kotecka & Tomas Wierzbowski, San Francisco
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Masha & Marjan Vahdat (Iran) in Concert, The Chapel, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA.
Presented in partnership with the San Francisco International Arts Festival and Teatr Zar.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Workshop with Przemyslaw Btaszczak: Forgetting the Body, San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
From Rhythms to Rhythm: Workshop with Vahan Kerovpyan, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Old Roots, New Leaves: Workshop with Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat (Iran), San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Columns: Armenian Liturgical Chants with The Kerovpyan Family with Teatr ZAR and Murat İçlinalça, San Francisco, CA
Friday, May 29, 2015 & Saturday, May 30, 2015
Kitka,
Teatr Zar (from Poland) performing Armine, Sister, Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA. Presented in cooperation with the SF International Arts Festival.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Dengbesz Kazo (Kurdistan), with Vahan Kerovpyan (Armenia/France) and Murat İçlinalça (Turkey), The Chapel, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Masterclass with Aram & Virginia Kerovpyan: Armenian Modal Singing: A Journey Within Sounds, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Kitka performs Iron Shoes - original music by Janet Kutulas, New Music Bay Area's Garden of Memory, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Vocal Workshop with Corinne Sykes: Playing with Placement: Control, Variety, Health, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Kitka Trio sings at the Fort Ross Festival, Jenner, CA
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Vocal Master Class with Corinne Sykes, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Kitka and Russian House Kedry at Fort Ross Harvest Festival, Fort Ross Historical Park, Jenner, CA
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Kitka performs at ACA-West A Cappella Festival, USF Presentation Theater, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Kitka at SFMusic Day, SF War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Launched in 2008, SFMusic Day has grown into a highly regarded yearly celebration of the “state of the art” of small ensemble activity in our region. More than 30 established and emerging ensembles of various genres—including early music, chamber music, new music, jazz and creative music—performed concurrently throughout the day in the building’s Herbst Theater and Green Room.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Bulgarian Wintersongs Part I: A Vocal Workshop with Tzvetanka Varimezova, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, CA
Tzvetanka Varimezova has taught traditional Bulgarian vocal techniques, folk songs, and choral repertoire around the world for more than two decades and is a master of helping non-Bulgarian singers discover their open voice. These workshops will focus on Koleda songs traditionally sung in Bulgaria around the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and the New Year. Co-hosted by the International Body Music Festival and CrossPulse.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Kitka Performs at the International Body Music Festival Mini-Fest, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, CA
Featuring Molodi, Corposonic Trio, The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Jenna Mammina, Cascada de Flores, Kitka, Evie Ladin’s MoToR/dance, The Thieves, Farah Yasmeen Sheikh & Jim Santi Owen, Kathak and Konnakkol & other special guests.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Bulgarian Wintersongs Part II: A Vocal Workshop with Tzvetanka Varimezova, Silk Road House, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Wintersongs - San Rafael, Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael, CA
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, Arts at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Friday, December 18, 2015
Wintersongs by Candlelight - Oakland, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Wintersongs - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 20, 2015
5th Annual Wintersongs Community Sing with Kitka, Nile Hall, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Kitka Noontime Concert, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Kitka at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Santa Monica, CA
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Kitka Dinner Concert at the French Garden, Sebastopol, CA
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Kitka at Noe Valley Chamber Music Series, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Kitka at Gualala Arts, Gualala, CA
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Kitka at Temple Beth Torah, Upper Nyack, NY
Friday, June 20, and Sunday, June 22, 2014
I will remember everything (World Premiere), St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, San Francisco, CA
Eric Banks, composer; text by "Russia's Sappho" Sophia Parnok (1885-1933).
Saturday, June 21, 2014
I will remember everything (excerpts), Garden of Memory Festival at the Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Kitka at Fort Ross Festival, Gualala, CA
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Kitka at 3rd International Russian Choral Music Festival, 1st Unitarian Church of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, August 23, & Sunday, August 24, 2014
Singing Body Day Camp for Grown-ups (Int/Adv)
with Caitlin Tabancay Austin and Corinne Sykes, Camp Granada, Oakland, CA
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Kitka and DakhaBrakha (from Kiev, Ukraine), Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Kitka at Unitarian Fellowship, Unitarian Fellowship, Ashland, OR
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Vocal Workshop with Kitka, sponsored by Rogue World Ensemble, Ashland, OR
A unique opportunity for women to learn the exotic harmonies and vocal techniques of the Balkan, Slavic and Caucasian folk singing traditions.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Kitka at WOW Hall, Eugene, OR
Monday, October 13, 2014
Kitka at Arts Northwest Showcase, The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Fort Ross Harvest Festival, with Russian House Kedry, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner, CA
Saturday, October 25, 2014 & Sunday, October 26, 2014
Eliso: Film with live music by Trio Kavkasia, Berkeley, CA
Kitka was pleased to co-sponsor our Georgian folk song mentors Trio Kavkasia performing a live soundtrack to Nikoloz Shengelaia's 1928 silent film, Eliso. One of Russian and Georgian cinema's greatest silent-film achievements, this historical epic evokes the tragic fate of a nation pacified in 1864 by the Tsarist Russian Empire. Features beautiful portrayals of Caucasus customs and celebrations. Produced in cooperation with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Georgian Polyphonic Folk Singing Workshops with Carl Linich of Trio Kavkasia, Robinson Classroom, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Workshop I: Georgian Harvest and Work Songs
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Georgian Polyphonic Folk Singing Workshops with Carl Linich of Trio Kavkasia, Ellen Webb Studio, Oakland, CA
Workshop II: Georgian Winter Songs
Friday, November 7, 2014
Kitka Quartet performs at a Benefit Event for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine, Moose Lodge, Sonoma, CA
Organized by the the Sonoma-Kaniv (Ukraine) Sister City Association.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Wintersongs, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY
Friday, December 5, 2014
Wintersongs, Latchis Theater, Brattleboro, VT
Saturday, December 6, 2014
A Wintersongs Concert and Dessert Reception to Benefit the MS Research Institute
Dell Auditorium, National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, PA
Sunday, December 7 & Monday, December 8, 2014
Wintersongs - Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, DC
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Wintersongs - Santa Cruz, Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz, CA
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Wintersongs - Menlo Park, Arts at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA
Friday, December 19, 2014
Wintersongs by Candlelight - Oakland, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Wintersongs - San Francisco, Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 21, 2014
4th Annual Wintersongs Community Sing, Nile Hall in Historic Preservation Park, Oakland, CA