Kitka is an American women’s vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. The Oakland-based octet has earned international recognition for its distinctive sound, exploring a vast palette of ancient yet contemporary-sounding vocal effects. The ensemble’s earthy to ethereal timbres evoke an astonishing range of subtle to extreme inner states, instincts, and emotions. Kitka’s commitment to presenting traditional song as a living and evolving expressive art form has led to adventurous collaboration ranging from Les Mystères des Voix Bulgares to Meredith Monk. Currently celebrating its 33rd season, Kitka began as a grassroots groups 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 award-winning touring ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the demanding techniques of regional vocal styling, as well as for its innovative explorations in new music for women’s voices. The ensemble’s wide-ranging performance, teaching, and recording activities have exposed millions to a haunting beauty of their unique repertoire. Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble includes: Kelly Atkins, Caitlin Tabancay Austin, Shira Cion, Janet Kutulas, Elizabeth Setzer, Michele Simon, and Corinne Sykes. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.