Biography
Originating from the term for bouquet in Bulgarian and Macedonian alike, Kitka ranks among the foremost American vocal ensembles of women devoted to Eastern European repertoire. Formation occurred in the Bay Area during 1979, when several women first assembled to perform songs they cherished from lands behind the Iron Curtain. Direction passed to Bon Singer in 1981, after which the ensemble advanced to professional standing and broadened its scope of recording and touring. Co-direction by Shira Cion, Juliana Graffagna, and Janet Kutulas has continued since 1997. Journeys through the Balkans have encompassed both stage appearances and song collection, including a 2002 appearance alongside the acclaimed Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares. Grants awarded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the NEA supported commissions of new material, several of which received performances and tours, among them The Origin in 2009. Nine albums have appeared on the independent Diaphonica label.
Albums
