Master Worksessions with Russia's "zasluzhenniy deyatel" of Folk song and dance

Karagod: Discover and Explore Your Folk Voice
(A joyous voice-movement workshop in the ancient Russian tradition of village songs and games)

Karagod – a festive ritual of song, dance and games

March 15 and March 16, 2008
Saturday and Sunday
1 - 5 PM
viaCorpora Studio
6575 Santa Monica Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90038
Cost: $80.00 per day, or $150.00 for both, limited scholarships are available.
Reservation: $50.00 non-refundable deposit to hold your space (payable by check or through PayPal / Credit Card at www.viacorpora.eventbrite.com )
Additional Information: bryan@viacorpora.com or 323-871-8382

ViaCorpora presents a weekend of vocal workshops in Russian folk singing with Evgeniya Osipovna Zasimova suitable for singers/musicians, actors, directors and dancers interested in Russian/Slavic culture or the application of song work to theatrical performance.

Day One – Level 1 (Open to All)
Discover your Folk Voice – exercises in open throat voice technique (“white voice”)
Experience the joy of creating harmonies
Learn basic Old Russian village songs, their meaning, cultural/historical context, and significance in rituals
Learn the movements that accompany these songs and why they help you discover the depth and color of your voice

Day Two – Level 2 (Open to participants of level 1 and advanced folk singers)
Learn specific techniques to expand and strengthen your folk voice
Practice the creation of Russian harmonies and dissonances, rhythms, ornamentations, and resonant sounds
Learn intricate Old Russian village songs, their meaning, cultural/historical context, and significance in rituals
Learn the movements that accompany these songs and why they help you discover the depth and color of your voice

You do not need to be able to speak/read Russian or read music to participate in either day.

Evgenia Osipovna Zasimova, a professor of solo folk singing and dance at the Moscow State University of Arts and Culture, is considered a "zasluzhenniy deyatel" or national treasure in Russia. She has been leading expeditions to Russian villages to learn ancient and traditional songs, dances and games for over twenty-five years. Her ensemble, Karagod, performs at some of the most prestigious concert halls in Russia and abroad as well as provides music and musicology for numerous film and theater productions.