Kitka & Hasmik Harutyunyan: Armenian Lullabies and Songs of Longing November 6, 2009

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. She 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 lullabies in her repertoire from old women who had emigrated from Anatolia to eastern Armenia before or during the Armenian massacres of 1915, as well as from their descendants and old song collections. Hasmik Harutyunyan's CD, "Armenian Lullabies" (Traditional Crossroads), was praised in a New York Times review as "The best Armenian recording worldwide."

Joining Hasmik Harutyunyan will be the women's vocal ensemble Kitka. Kitka, meaning "bouquet" in Bulgarian and Macedonian, is now celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season. Kitka began as a grassroots group of singers from diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds who shared a passion for the stunning dissonances, asymmetric rhythms, intricate ornamentation, lush harmonies, and resonant strength of Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women's vocal traditions. The group has since evolved into a professional touring ensemble, earning international recognition for its artistry, versatility, and fresh approach to folk music.

This concert celebrates the release of Kitka's new CD and companion songbook, "Cradle Songs." Kitka's 9th release on their own Diaphonica Productions record label, "Cradle Songs" features three Armenian lullabies taught to Kitka by Hasmik Harutyunyan.

For additional information about Kitka and Hasmik Harutyunyan visit: www.kitka.org and www.road-to-armenia.com/hasmik/hasmik.html

$15-$25.

Official Website: http://www.kitka.org