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While the CD is spectacular, the live performance eclipses
it by far...They will reach deep into your own 'Slavic soul'- and
if you didn't have one coming in, you will by the end of the first
set. With all the sorrow in the Balkans, here is a locally produced
collection of traditional Slavic music sung by a women's vocal group
that is filled with joy and an exuberant... affirmation of life.
Recalls the impact made a decade ago by TRIO BULGARKA. |
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ZEELLIA is the Ukrainian word for herb as well as the power of herbs to effect reality, to conjure. Vancouver’s own musical ZEELLIA, is a six member ensemble of three female vocalists and three instrumentalists established in 1991. Led by Beverly Dobrinsky, they weave a mystical spell singing and playing Slavic folksongs and dances from Ukraine, the Balkan and Baltic States, and the Canadian prairies. The blessings and the curses, the water, the wood, the fire, the fields, and of course, the herbs all combine to give voice to a unique Slavic Canadian sentiment which respects its Ukrainian roots and celebrates its Canadian context. They sing in the traditional style of ‘bilij holos/pure voice’, both acapella and with the accompaniment of bass, violin, and accordion. It is SLAVIC SOUL, rooted in the traditional with a contemporary edge, connecting the past with the present and the old country with the new. In performance, ZEELLIA offers a varied program of a capella, voices with accordion, violin, and bass; as well as a purely instrumental component. At festivals ZEELLIA can do many things, fitting into workshops including women’s voices, Eastern European roots, ritual song, immigration, folk song as social commentary, Canadian prairies, collecting; and arranging for the stage. 2004 has been a good year for the ensemble. In July they performed in Toronto for the first time, gracing the stage at Harbourfront Centre. In August they were featured at the Lincoln Centre Out of Doors Festival in New York City, earning the short but eloquent comment by director Spike Barkin‑ "ZEELLIA were great!" ZEELLIA has recently recorded their second CD, Willow Bridge. Its release will be celebrated with a concert in Vancouver in late November. In April ZEELLIA will make their Montreal debut at Musique Multi Montreal. ZEELLIA is growing musically and professionally, taking their special herbal
remedy far and wide. To experience the magic up close and personal
contact Gary Cristall at 604‑215‑9077, garycristall@telus.net
or join us at www.zeellia.com |
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