Oakland, California-based Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble is celebrating 45 years of performing folk traditions from the Baltics, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and beyond. Kitka’s current executive director and artistic director, Shira Cion, has been part of the group since 1988, one of its youngest members at the time. Ahead of new Kitka album Kolo, Shira talked with WFHB programmer Adriane Pontecorvo over Zoom about learning a vast repertoire, themes and production techniques of the new album, and the significance of folk culture in times of conflict.

Songs featured (all performed by Kitka):
“Svatba”
“Loomine”
“Oj, Jak Že Bulo, Izprežy Vika”
“Ruotā, Ruotā”
“Kakhuri Iavnana”
“Gelino”

Producer: Adriane Pontecorvo