Kitka and Trio Kavkasia: Songs from Beyond the Black Sea January 26, 2007

"... exotic, beautifully modulated style... haunting beauty... " The New York Times

Kitka hosts the West Coast debut performances of Trio Kavkasia, an internationally acclaimed ensemble specializing in the ancient and strikingly beautiful traditional harmonies of Caucasus Georgia. Kitka and Trio Kavkasia's program will feature material ranging from gentle lullabies, lyrical love songs, and sublime sacred pieces to rowdy dance tunes and robust table and work songs.

A Georgian song's parts relate to each other like a Mobius strip, with unexpected chords, beating dissonances, and ringing unison tones that create richly ornamented textures that do not follow Western rules of tuning, harmony, or melody.

Trio Kavkasia consists of three Americans who share more than forty years of experience performing, and teaching the traditional vocal music of Georgia. Kavkasia's authentic sound was perfected during numerous extended visits to Georgia. The trio spent 1995 as artists in residence in Tbilisi, the country's capital, studying and singing with the greatest living masters of Georgian music. Performing at Tbilisi University and appearing often on national television, the trio became famous throughout the country for their mastery of the rich and extraordinarily beautiful music of Georgia. Recent appearances include performances at Lincoln Center in New York City, at the Tbilisi Opera House, and for NPR.

Kitka began in 1979 as a grassroots group of singers from diverse backgrounds who shared a passion for the dissonances, rhythms, ornamentation, and resonant strength of traditional Eastern European women's vocal music. The group has since evolved into an internationally-recognized ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of of Balkan and Slavic vocal styling. Through a busy itinerary of performances, recording, educational programs, artist residencies, commissioning programs, and collaborations, Kitka has exposed millions to their unique repertoire.

About KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble:
'KITKA has gained an international reputation for bringing a contemporary perspective to the sumptuous harmonies, striking dissonances, and angular rhythms of traditional Eastern European music. The ravishing textures of their voices singing in haunting cadences and unfamiliar languages make KITKA's performances enthralling.' -SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

$22 (advance) / $25 (door) / $20 (seniors & students w/ ID).

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