SVITANYA (svee-TAH-nya), which means “the light at sunrise” in Croatian and Ukrainian, is a women’s a  cappella ensemble that specializes in music from Eastern Europe. The songs we perform exude the spirit of traditional village music. Some songs are modern arrangements, some songs were learned from village source recordings, and all songs are sung in their original languages. Our repertoire is quite diverse--ranging from strong and strident field-working songs to traditional dance tunes to lush and emotive arrangements--and it all celebrates the timbres, rhythms, and harmonies indigenous to the region. Most every song tells a story; some songs celebrate the mundane events of daily life, like cutting wheat in the fields or strolling in the street with musicians, and others depict life’s more poignant moments, such as losing a loved one to war or being married off while too young. Svitanya is selected for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour Roster.  Funding may be available to support performance engagements with presenters in DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV and the US Virgin Islands. Please visit PennPAT or contact Svitanya for details.

Standing: Kimberly, Sibelan, Susan, Leela, Chrissy Sitting: Mary, Yelena, Laura, Anne Photo: Laureen Griffin