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Georgian traditional polyphony was designated as a masterpiece of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. This workshop series explores the diverse vocal traditions of Caucasus Georgia. In addition to learning songs in thrilling three part harmony from a variety of Georgia's ethnographic regions, the workshop series will also explore the folklore, history, and cultural context of each song while simultaneously developing ensemble skills: blending, vocal placement and quality, pitch, pronunciation, and developing various vocal techniques unique to each region.The first three sessions will be directed by Kitka’s resident folklorist Kristine Barrett (Sundays July 14, 21, 28 from 6:00-8:00pm), culminating in a public workshop featuring renowned Georgian folksong teacher and master singer Carl Linich on Tuesday, August 6, 7:30-9:30. Singers can register for either the 3-workshop Sunday-evenings in July Series, or the full 4-session series, including the Tuesday evening, August 6 workshop with special guest teacher Carl Linich.
Though previous experience is unnecessary, the ability to match pitch and sing in tune is preferred. Singers of all genders, backgrounds, and ages are welcome to participate!
No refunds or transfers. A minimum of 10 singers is required for the series to move forward. In the event we do not meet the requisite minimum participation, the workshop will be cancelled, and refunds issued.
KRISTINE BARRETT is a musician, independent researcher, and vocalist specializing in polyphonic traditions from Eastern Europe, Caucasus Georgia, and Nordic regions. She holds an MFA in Electronic Music Composition from Mills College (2006) and an MA in Folklore from UC Berkeley (2023). Barrett has directed several choirs and ensembles throughout the SF Bay Area and has likewise performed extensively throughout North America and internationally as both a soloist and with various ensembles. She is currently a performing member of the acclaimed Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble.
CARL LINICH has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Kitka and our community for over two decades. Carl first began learning Georgian songs with The Kartuli Ensemble, and soon went on to form Trio Kavkasia with two other Kartuli Ensemble singers. Trio Kavkasia traveled to Georgia in 1995 and 1997 for extended periods to immerse themselves in the culture, and Carl ended up living in Georgia for about a decade. He has traveled extensively around Georgia, meeting singers, making field recordings, and amassing a tremendous repertoire of songs.
When: Sundays July 14, 21, 28 from 6-8pm (led by Kristine Barrett), and Tuesday August 6, 7:30-9:30 (Led by Carl Linich).
Where: 2300 Valdez Street , Oakland, CA 94612 (Uptown Neighborhood)
Workshop Series pricing:
3 Sunday Evening Workshops with Kristine Barrett and 1 Tuesday Evening Workshop with Carl Linich: $125
3 Sunday Evening Workshops with Kristine Barrett: $95
Questions or special accessibility needs? Write [email protected]
This workshop series is supported, in part, by the City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2300B Valdez St, Oakland, CA 94612-3127, United States
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