With support from the California Arts Council, ZADO will sponsor “The Artistry of Women’s Balkan Singing” comprised of 2 artist residencies led by Tzvetanka Varimezova (world-renowned, LA-based master performer, professor, & choral director of Bulgarian vocal arts) and Michele Simon (master performer, teacher, & Balkan vocal coach of the acclaimed SF Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble). Activities include vocal master classes, workshops, free community sings, collaborative performances, & broadcasts.
As ambassadors and teachers, Zado members continually research to expand their knowledge base of Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian songs, music, and vocal techniques and creative ways to perform and present them. As performers, Zado upholds a tradition of nearly four decades of presenting concerts, teaching, and celebrating international folk music with schools, festivals, organizations, and the folk dance community in northern California. As recording artists, Zado has produced and distributed three CDs/albums. As community members, Zado pursues its overarching goal of delivering performances and instruction that inspire individuals to treasure their own cultural roots and those of others, a theme that continues to have meaning and relevance particularly in today’s world.

