“For the past 35 years, this internationally recognized women’s vocal ensemble has developed a massive repertoire of Eastern European folk songs, presented as a joyous reminder that music-making is a sacred act and a communal celebration.” – Sam Prestianni, SF Weekly

The Oakland-based women’s vocal ensemble, Kitka, will make a stop at Gualala Arts Center during their Northern California six-concert “Wintersongs” tour in January.

Featuring unusual seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions, this is the ensemble’s third concert at Gualala Arts.

This year’s Wintersongs program showcases pieces gathered and transformed through study and collaboration with traditional song masters from Bosnia (Amira Medunjanin), Bulgaria (Tzvetanka Varimezova), Georgia (Ensemble Basiani), Russia (Kostroma Ensemble), Ukraine (Mariana Sadovska) and Yiddish-speaking Eastern European Jewish communities (Ethel Raim).

“In all the ethnic traditions represented, caroling and communal singing serve an essential social function. Winters in rural Eastern European villages have necessitated a culture of inter-dependency, and these songs accompany the gathering of people for both sacred and everyday purposes,” said Kitka’s Executive Artistic Director Shira Cion.

Now in their 37th year, Kitka is an American women’s vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. The Oakland-based group travels regionally, nationally and internationally, driven by their dedication to developing new audiences and expanding the boundaries of folk songs rooted in Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women’s vocal traditions.

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