Organiser	Janet Nagly
Phone	0298104924

MARTENITSA CHOIR - BOUND FOR ITALY

Next year, community choir, Martenitsa is planning a journey of the heart. They will be bringing some locally composed music to Italy, set to the poems of Edoardo di Giovanni, who was a lawyer and freedom fighter.

Musical directors, Mara and Llew Kiek and the choir are planning lots of events to raise funds to get there, including a fantastic ‘Six pack’ of free Italian film and music evenings at the Five Dock RSL.

The music that will be brought to Italy, Tra Parole e Silenzio (between words and silence), is a suite for choir and ensemble composed by Mara and Llew and the members of the Mara! band, set to the poems of Edoardo di Giovanni, an Italian lawyer and father of the band’s sound engineer.

Edoardo’s poetry is lyrical, poignant and joyful – and a real inspiration for the music which is a very personal response, and a musical sea-breeze straight out of the Mediterranean.

The foray into Italian music is a lovely change for Martenitsa. For the last 20 years, the choir has principally sung Balkan and Bulgarian inspired music. In this step away from their tradition, the choir embraced the suite.

The group is very excited at the prospect of bringing the music ‘home’ to Italy in July 2010.

What better way to prepare for our trip than enjoying quality Italian Cinema. Each film night includes cameo performances by the choir and a wonderful lineup of guest artists who have volunteered to help us raise tour funds.

The ‘Six pack’: free Italian film and music evenings will run on the last Friday of each month from January to May 2010.

THE FILMS:

• Fri Nov 13: My Best Enemy

• Fri Jan 29: Caterina in the City

• Fri Feb 26: Quo Vaid Baby?

• Fri Mar 26: Viva Zapatero!

• Fri Apr 30: Good Morning, Night

• Fri May 28: The Manual of Love

Tables of 10 - Enjoy a meal and a glass of wine - dine at 6.30pm  - music at 7.00pm and film at 7.30pm.  Raffles, prizes, and donations at the door.

For more information about sponsorship, our film events, upcoming gigs or to be put on the Martenitsa mailing list, please go to: admin@maramusic.com.au

SPONSORS: Martenitsa has been generously supported by the Five Dock RSL, Palace Film distribution, Palace Cinema Leichhardt, di Lusso wines - Mudgee, Mixing Pot restaurant Glebe, Bar Italia café Leichhardt, Aesop skin care, Papa Pasticceria Haberfield, Paesanella Cheese Marrickville and Haberfield, Barilla Pasta and cooking school Annandale and Perfection Fresh fruit and vegetables at Homebush.

We especially acknowledge the generous support of Balmain portrait artist Rosa Fedele, for the contribution of four paintings towards our silent auction.

Martenitsa - our story

Based in Ultimo, Martenitsa is modelled on the magnificent Bulgarian state choirs, and has become one of the most highly regarded and innovative choirs in Australia. Led by founder musical directors Mara and Llew Kiek, the group has been singing together for 20 years.

Since their formation, Martenitsa has performed in many major concert halls in eastern Australia, toured with legendary Balkan groups and recorded a number of CDs.  Martenitsa has collaborated with musicians; commissioned works and participated in live broadcast and recorded programs for ABC Radio and TV. Martenitsa has also performed original works by directors, Llew and Mara Kiek as well as others.