DESCRIPTION:
Samavesha presents

Novilunio: a world music fusion project by

Laura Inserra & Elizabeth Setzer

with Evan Fraser (multi-instrumentalist), Briget Boyle and Janet Kutulas (vocalists from Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble), and Armenian folk singer Hasmik Harutyunyan.

Friday, March 9, 2012 8pm

Subterranean Arthouse - 2179 Bancroft Way - Berkeley, CA

http://www.novilunio.org

Novilunio, the Italian term for 'new moon', is a world fusion music project created by multi-instrumentalist Laura Inserra and vocalist/pianist Elizabeth Setzer. Their music combines traditional folk songs from the Balkans and Caucasus region with original compositions and improvised elements. Most of the instruments played belong to various ancient traditions from around the world, while others are contemporary inventions. The concert will feature guest musicians Evan Fraser (multi-instrumentalist from Hamsa Lila and Stella Mara), Briget Boyle, and Janet Kutulas (singers from Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble).

Laura Inserra is a vibrant and talented composer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher and artistic director. She is a classically trained musician with a strong improvisational background who utilizes multiple musical and performance skills. A native of Sicily, her work in Italy is well- known, including integral participation in the composition of numerous movie scores and the artistic direction of innovative live productions. In 2007, Inserra founded SAMAVESHA, an international non-profit multidisciplinary performing art organization. Audiences worldwide are mesmerized by her musical virtuosity and captivated by the passion she brings to the stage. http://www.laurainserra.com

Elizabeth Setzer is an American musician, she received the BA in music at Mills College in Oakland, CA. Elizabeth studied Bulgarian folk singing with Svetla Stanilova at the Academy of Music in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on a Fulbright grant for one year. During this time she performed with the Phillipopoly Folk Ensemble, and studied the tambura with Vladimir Vladimirov. In January 2009 she began to sing with KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble in Oakland, California, and now she is the group's Music Director. http://www.kitka.org

Evan Fraser is a multi-instrumentalist, performer and recording artist currently based in the Bay Area. Evan graduated from CalArts in LA with a BFA degree in World Music. His teachers include: John Bergamo, Randy Gloss, Alfred & Kobla Ladzekpo, Sulley Imoro, Nyomen Wenton, Jim Santi Owen, Mark Growden, Hamsa Lila, Mamadou Sidibe & Yakouba Diarra. Some of the instruments Evan plays are: electric kalimba, mbira, marimbula (bass kalimba), kalimbas in different keys, jaw harp, (jew's harp, mouth harp) in all keys from many different countries, frame drums, berimbau, pandeiro, dumbek, zabumba (bass drum), calabash, and anything else he can get his hands on! http://www.reverbnation.com/evanfraser