Kitka which means bouquet in Bulgarian and Macedonian began 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 internationally-recognized professional ensemble known for its artistry versatility and mastery of the demanding techniques of Balkan and Slavic vocal styling. Through a busy itinerary of live and broadcast performances, recording educational programs, master artist residencies commissioning programs and adventuresome collaborations, Kitka has exposed millions to the haunting beauty of their unique repertoire.
Kitka’s voices have been featured frequently on National Public Radio. The exotic and emotive power of Kitka’s singing has been utilized in a number of film soundtracks including Jacob’s Ladder, Braveheart and Queen of the Damned as well as in the American Conservatory Theater’s critically acclaimed productions of Hecuba starring Olympia Dukakis.
In 2002, the group toured Bulgaria where as international guests of honor they shared the stage of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia with the world-renowned Bulgarian Women’s Choir Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares.
In 2005, Kitka journeyed to Ukraine to perform and gather traditional songs with the country’s most celebrated folk singers. Kitka s field research in Ukraine led to the creation of a new vocal-theater piece The Rusalka Cycle: Songs Between the Worlds featuring original music by Ukrainian composer Mariana Sadovska and stage direction by Ellen Sebastian Chang. The Rusalka Cycle premiered to sold-out houses and wildly enthusiastic public acclaim in Oakland in the fall of 2005.
Kitka has recorded several albums on their own Diaphonica record label.
In 2020, Kitka presented a series of virtual Wintersongs 2020 performances.
In 2021, Kitka announced that it would return to the stage in December after nearly two years of pandemic separation.
The Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble lineup in 2021 included Kelly Atkins, Briget Boyle, Shira Cion, Erin Lashnits Herman, Juliana Graffagna, Janet Kutulas,, Maclovia Quintana, and Katya Schoenberg.
Discography:
Kitka (1989)
Voices on the Eastern Wind (Diaphonica, 1992)
Nectar (Diaphonica, 1999)
Cantigas De Amigo (Dorian Recordings, 2000)
The Vine (Diaphonica, 2002)
Wintersongs (Diaphonica, 2003)
The Rusalka Cycle: Songs Between The Worlds (Diaphonica, 2007)
Sanctuary: A Cathedral Concert (Diaphonica, 2008)
Cradle Songs (Diaphonica, 2009)
Evening Star (Diaphonica, 2018)
(headline image: Kitka photo by Vincent Louis Carrella)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.