Zado California Arts Council Grant 2020-21

Artists in Communities: "The Artistry of Balkan Singing"

"ARTISTRY OF BALKAN SINGING" Virtual Choirs now posted on YouTube!
See VIRTUAL CHOIRS SUMMARY Web page!
PROJECT EVENTS
The Zado Eastern European Vocal Ensemble and Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble co-presented “ The Artistry of Balkan Singing ,” a project that included several opportunities for the public to join in virtual singing during 2020-21. The events were led by Michele Simon (master performer, teacher, Balkan vocal coach, and associate vocal artist with the acclaimed Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble) and Tzvetanka Varimezova (world-renowned, LA-based master performer, professor, and choral director of Bulgarian vocal arts). Activities included the following free vocal workshops and community sing events designed for the Sacramento community and beyond. We are honored and grateful to our master artists, to the song arrangers, to all who participated, and to all who donated towards making this special project possible.
​BALKAN VOCAL WORKSHOPS & VIRTUAL CHOIRS
2020-21
​There have been many challenging events and circumstances during 2020 and 2021. ​Through the support of the California Arts Council and others, Zado invited people from the Sacramento area, from California and other states, and from other countries to join us in two Balkan songs that convey a sense ​that the human spirit overcomes adversity and continues to thrive during challenging times.
​Two Favorite Songs that Lift the Spirit Zado and Kitka co-sponsored the following events starting in 2021 to teach these songs and to launch virtual choirs of the songs. The events were led by master Balkan vocal artists, Michele Simon and Tzvetanka Varimezova. All singers were welcome! All events were free! 

1 - Balkan Vocal Master Class (via Zoom)
December 2020
Master Class Taught (via Zoom) by Michele Simon
  • December 8, 2020 (Tuesday) – 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm ​
Michele developed materials and taught individual and group Balkan vocal techniques as well as her beautiful arrangement of ​Zaspo Janko. Local singing groups Slavitza Folk and Zado participated. The class provided an opportunity for our Sacramento area singers to become familiar with the techniques and song from a master artist and vocal coach and to prepare for our subsequent Workshops and Zaspo Janko Virtual Choir. 
​Our master class participation was a great success! Eleven local singers participated via an online process and received individual assistance in voice placement and technique.
​
2 - Three Balkan Vocal Workshops (via Zoom)
January 2021
More information is also available on our "WORKSHOPS SUMMARY" web page.
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Michele Simon
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Tzvetanka Varimezova
​Series of Three Workshops
​Taught (via Zoom) by Michele Simon and Tzvetanka Varimezova
  • January 9, 2021 (Saturday) – Workshop #1, 12 noon to 2:00 pm PT
  • January 16, 2021 (Saturday) – Workshop #2, 12 noon to 2:00 pm PT
  • January 30, 2021  (Saturday) – Workshop #3, 12 noon to 2:00 pm PT​ ​

Michele and Tzvetanka developed materials to teach Dragana I Slaveja and ​Zaspo Janko sequentially during these three workshops. Dragana I Slaveja is musically complex and challenging; Zaspo Janko, in comparison, is easier and meditative.

​The workshop series provided an opportunity for participants to learn the songs from master artists and as preparation for our CAC Virtual Choirs if they decided to join. For those who knew the songs already but needed a refresher, the workshops provided extra help and inspiration. Pre-registration for the series was required and free, and space was limited. Materials were provided via a dedicated site for those who registered. Participants registered for the Workshop Series via an online process.
​Our workshop participation was a great success! Over 225 singers participated from around the world.
3 - Two Balkan Virtual Choirs 
February through June 2021
More information is also available on our "VIRTUAL CHOIRS SUMMARY" web page.
Two Virtual Choirs Directed by Michele Simon and Tzvetanka Varimezova
  • February 1 through March 15, 2021 - Registration for
        1.   Dragana I Slaveja virtual choir and/or
        2.   Zaspo Janko virtual choir
  • February 1 through March 15, 2021 - Virtual choir audio or video submissions of Dragana I Slaveja and/or Zaspo Janko were accepted, processed and synced
  • March through June, 2021 – Zado, Kitka, and our master artists compiled all 118 recordings and produced a composite virtual choir video of each song, to be posted online in summer 2021.
​
Michele and Tzvetanka developed materials, guide conductor videos, instructions, and tips for singing Dragana I Slaveja and Zaspo Janko for our two virtual choirs. Their materials and resources were provided via a dedicated website for those who registered. The materials provided directions for participants to sing, record, and submit their recording(s). Participants were invited to submit one or both songs. Pre-registration was required and free. Participants did not need to have attended the workshops series if they already knew the song(s).
​​Our virtual choir participation was a great success! We received 118 recordings from singers around the world.
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Michele Simon
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Tzvetanka Varimezova
This project was made possible through funding and support from: California Arts Council (CAC), Shira Cion, Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, 
National Endowment for the Arts, Sacramento Big Day of Giving, Sacramento Region Community Foundation Giving Edge, 
James E. Shoemaker & Jan Volkoff, Zado Eastern European Vocal Ensemble, and 95 individual donors.
 We are incredibly honored to have sung with all of you, to make beautiful music together, and to honor the Balkan singers, composers, and music that have inspired our group and many others. Thank you! 
In harmony,
The Zado Eastern European Vocal Ensemble and The Kitka Institute ​
Questions about project events?  zadosings@gmail.com
Zado Eastern European Vocal Ensemble website:  www.zadosings.org