Kitka is always on the lookout for new singers with strong, beautiful voices and engaging stage presence. We are particularly interested in women who are adept at singing in both open/chest voice and “pure” (light vibrato) head voice styles. Familiarity with Eastern European folk singing and languages, and music-reading ability is preferred. Accurate intonation, rhythmic capability, previous performance experience, vocal versatility, quick learning and strong ensemble singing skills are essential. Please note that prospective singers must be able to legally work in the United States.

Photo by Tomas Pacha

Photo by Tomas Pacha

Singing with Kitka is a musical adventure

We constantly strive for higher standards of artistry and excellence. We perform exciting local concerts and sometimes tour throughout North America and travel to Eastern Europe. We teach vocal workshops, host regular master artist residencies to hone our vocal technique and language skills, and collaborate frequently with artists working in different musical traditions and performance disciplines. We regularly venture into vocal theatre and strive to push our own personal and organizational creative boundaries. We record albums and, occasionally, movie soundtracks. We have an amazing amount of fun singing together and audiences are moved to tears by our performances.

instructions

Interested singers must submit required preliminary audition materials.  Top candidates will be invited for a live audition with Kitka in Berkeley, CA when an opening in the ensemble arises. In the meantime, we will keep your submission on file.

Preliminary audition materials should include the following:

1) Statement of interest including biographical information describing your musical/performance background.

2) Audio (MP3) or video solo recordings (YouTube or Vimeo links) including two contrasting pieces demonstrating your skills singing Eastern European music. Ideally, recordings should be unedited and without effects or overdubbing.

3) (Optional) An additional recording of a piece in any style that will better acquaint us with the range and expressive capacity of your voice. Please limit additional media materials to no more than five minutes, and/or you may also submit ensemble recordings featuring your voice.

Please email all materials listed above as links or attachments.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR PROSPECTIVE AUDITIONEES

1) Kitka singers must live in (or be willing to move to) the San Francisco Bay Area, be available for twice-weekly rehearsals in the East Bay, and have general availability for performances on weekends, periodic domestic tours, occasional overseas tours, and special projects involving more intensive rehearsal and performance schedules.

2) Kitka’s core ensemble members are part-time paid employees of Kitka, Inc., a non-profit cultural organization. Most of our singers also juggle other jobs with the work of the ensemble.

3) After passing a trial period, core members assist with musical and non-musical tasks that support the ensemble’s work. We are seeking women who are not only fantastic vocalists but also great team players who understand the unique challenges and rewards of working in a small ensemble.

Audition materials are screened by Kitka’s core ensemble members. Singers who pass the initial phase will be invited for a live audition when an opening arises in the ensemble. For more information about Kitka auditions and membership, please email us.