John Metcalfe announces new album and reveals first track ‘Xylem’
Tree is set for release on vinyl, CD and digitally via Real World Records on 22 September 2023.
Fri, 26 May 23
Released 16 May 1999
Liner notes
Sydney based choir Martenitsa was formed by Mara Kiek in late 1990 with the assistance of the Australia Council’s Performing Arts Board. Modelled on the magnificent Bulgarian state choirs, Martenitsa has become one of the most highly regarded and innovative choirs in Australia.
In 1988 Mara travelled to Bulgaria for six months to study folk music, choral music and conducting (Plovdiv Higher Institute of Music). On her return, she recruited about 40 singers around the core group Mesana Salata, of which she was a founding member in May 1983.
One of Martenitsa’s first concerts was at WOMADelaide in 1992. The choir has since performed in many major concert halls in eastern Australia and has toured with the legendary Trio Bulgarka and Balkana.
In 1993 the ground-breaking work ‘Sezoni’ was written by Bulgarian Stefan Kozuharov and members of the Mara! band. Performed, broadcast and recorded by Martenitsa and Mara!, ‘Sezoni’ was first released on Rufus Records through Polygram and was a final nominee for the ARIA award’s Best World/Folk/Traditional CD release of 1997.
Guest soloist Silvia Entcheva, formerly with Bulgaria’s most famous choir, Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares, began performing with Martenitsa in 1994. Silvia appears on the ‘Sezoni’ recording.
Further Listening
Released 02 October 2010
Tsinandali Choir
Released 25 January 1993
Tree is set for release on vinyl, CD and digitally via Real World Records on 22 September 2023.
Fri, 26 May 23
The album features an impressive cast of collaborators including Moonchild Sanelly and David Walters
Wed, 26 April 23
Rokia Koné and Les Amazones d'Afrique's guitarist demonstrates Mandigue, Bamana & Tuareg music.
Mon, 02 May 22
Sajanava is taken from Jasdeep Singh Degun's debut album Anomaly.
Fri, 08 April 22