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Black Sea Treasures
Explore musical treasures of the Black Sea and surrounding areas, in a sight- and sound-spectacular presentation by Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT). This concert will incorporate traditional choreography, live music and award-winning costumes. ASL interpretation will be a part of each performance.
Artistic Director Donald La Course and John Omorean from the Twin Cities' Izvorasul Romanian Dance Ensemble created choreography for "Black Sea Treasures," including five new premieres and four revivals from the EDT repertoire. Dances from Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey will be featured. The acclaimed EDT Folk Orchestra will perform all the musical sets, and guest artists Mila Vocal Ensemble will provide vocal music from Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
When:
Friday, March 15, 2013, 8:00pm
Saturday, March 16, 2013, 8:00pm
Sunday, March 17, 2013, 2:00pm
Where:
Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
View Map
Tickets:
Adults: $25
Students and Seniors: $20
Under 12: $12
Purchase tickets online or by phone. Tickets also available at the door, starting two hours before showtime.
Ritz Theater Online: www.ritz-theater.org/tickets/
Ritz Theater Box Office: 612-436-1129
(Tuesday-Thursday, 12:30pm - 4:30pm)
Celebrate Spring!
Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble present a musical celebration of the coming of Spring, on this ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta. ("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March.") Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring.
Special guests SlovCzech will keep revelers dancing into the wee hours, with their signature blend of Contemporary Czechoslovak and European Folkrock styles.
Join us for this musical celebration of Spring. Chestita Baba Marta!
Admission is free.
Friday, March 1, 2013, 8:00pm
Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
View Map and Directions
COLINDĂ: CLASSIC CAROLS OF EASTERN EUROPE
"Behold, the carolers come at night to the music lovers." – Iată vin Colindători (16th-century Romanian carol)
Inspired by the ancient, Romanian tradition of colindători (Christmas carolers), Mila Vocal Ensemble presents a holiday concert that will take audiences on a breathtaking tour of Eastern European holiday sounds. Music lovers will be thrilled by the bracing sounds of Croatia, surprised by the raw energy and dissonant harmonies of Bulgaria, and charmed by joyful Ukrainian carols. Treats from Romania, Russia, Belarus, Georgia and Serbia also will delight new audiences and familiar friends alike.
In the spirit of the caroler, Mila will take their Friday show on the road to Crossings Art Center, a folk musicians' favorite in Zumbrota, MN. Enjoy the ambiance and crisp acoustics in a cozy, smaller-town setting.
Saturday's concertgoers will appreciate the local appeal of the Croatian Hall in South St. Paul, with its stunning woodwork and low-key charm. Stay, mingle with friends, and raise a glass at the post-concert holiday party! Refreshments and a cash bar will be provided.
Sunday's matinee offers a warm dose of holiday spirit in the airy, greenery-infused sanctuary at Unity Church in St. Paul.
Tickets available at the door.
Friday, December 14, 2012, 7:30pm
Crossings Art Center
320 East Avenue
Zumbrota, MN 55992
$18 day of show / $16 in advance
Reservations suggested: 507-732-7616
View map and directions
Saturday, December 15, 2012, 7:30pm
Croatian Hall
445 2nd Avenue South
South St. Paul, MN 55075
$12 general admission / $10 youth, students and seniors
View map and directions
Sunday, December 16, 2012, 2:00pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
$12 general admission / $10 youth, students and seniors
View map and directions
Reflections on the Danube
Take a journey from the Black Forest to the Black Sea as Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT) presents Reflections on the Danube. EDT is known for traditional presentations of the movements, sounds and colors of various ethnic dance and music cultures. This performance will reflect EDT's signature style, incorporating traditional choreography, live music and spectacular costumes.
Artistic Director Donald LaCourse, EDT resident choreographer Eva Maria Kish, and guest choreographers John Morovich from Seattle and John Omorean from the Twin Cities will premier three new choreographies: LaCourse will stage Tanze vom Schwarzwald, from the fairytale-like Black Forest of Germany. Morovich will create a new work from the Baranja region of Croatia featuring enchanting music and priceless antique costumes. Omorean's piece comes from the Danube delta region of Dobrogea in Romania, with haunting violins and lightning footwork. In addition, several works from the EDT repertoire will be revived, representing music and dance from Bulgaria, Austria, Slovakia, Serbia and Hungary.
McKnight-award-winners Orkestar Bez Ime will perform all musical sets. This show also will feature the vocal talents of singer Natalie Nowytski and Mila Vocal Ensemble. ASL interpretation will be a part of each performance.
When:
Friday, March 23, 2012, 8:00pm
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8:00pm
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 2:00pm
Where:
Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA
View Map and Directions
Admission:
Adults: $20
Students and Seniors: $15
Under 12: $12
Purchase tickets online or by phone. Tickets also available at the door, starting two hours before showtime.
Ritz Theater Online: www.ritzdolls.com/tickets/
Ritz Theater Box Office: 612-436-1129
(Tuesday-Friday, 12:30pm - 4:30pm)
Chestita Baba Marta!
Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble present a musical celebration of the coming of Spring, on this ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta. ("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March.") Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring!
Join us for this lively evening of music from Bulgaria, Macedonia and surrounding areas.
Admission is free.
Thursday, March 1, 2012, 8:00pm
Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
View Map and Directions
Radujsja! Rejoice in the Holiday Music of Eastern Europe
Rejoice in the unique sounds of Eastern Europe! Mila Vocal Ensemble presents a choral tour of winter songs from countries such as Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. At turns rich, mysterious, thrilling, zesty, and lilting, this holiday music will warm your heart and invigorate your spirit. Radujsja! (Rejoice!)
Tickets available at the door.
$10 general admission / $5 youth, students and seniors
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:00pm
United Theological Seminary (Bigelow Chapel)
3000 Fifth Street Northwest
New Brighton, MN 55112, USA
View Map and Directions
Friday, December 16, 2011, 7:30pm
Hobgoblin Music (Stoney End Music Loft)
920 MN Hwy 19
Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
View Map and Directions
Sunday, December 18, 2011, 2:00pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
View Map and Directions
Mila at Walker Art Center's Acoustic Campfire
Mila Vocal Ensemble and McKnight Artist Fellowship-winner Orkestar Bez Ime perform together - outside and unplugged - at Walker Art Center's Acoustic Campfire. Part of the Walker Open Field series, this relaxed summertime event promises to captivate. Dancing encouraged!
"First Love: A Bulgarian Tale," An Ethnic Dance Theatre Premiere Performance
Ivan loves Tudora. Todora loves Kolyo. And Kolyo loves....who? Find out at First Love: A Bulgarian Tale." Featuring vibrant music and dance from exotic Bulgaria! Presented by the Ethnic Dance Theatre with live music by the EDT Folk Orchestra and guests, Mila Vocal Ensemble.
Friday - Sunday, April 18 - 20, O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. For more information and ticket purchase, please call 651-690-6700 or visit www.ticketmaster.com
With Bread and Salt: Songs and stories for Mother’s Day
Nourish the mothers in your life with a delectable assortment of songs and stories from Eastern and Central Europe. With thrilling harmonies and captivating spoken word, Mila will follow the mother's journey from girlhood to grandmotherhood and honor her many contributions as wife, mother, cook and tradition keeper. Spicy accompaniment by the Niks Folk Ensemble.
Saturday, May 10, 2008, 7:30pm at Lakeville Area Arts Center
20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit: http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/departments/artscenter.htm
Sunday, May 11, 2008, 2 PM at the Southern Theater
1420 Washington Avenue So., Minneapolis, MN 55454. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit: http://www.southerntheater.org
WITH BREAD AND SALT: SONGS FROM THE FEAST OF LIFE, Saturday, March 8
Central Square, Glenwood, MN
MilaCast
If you missed our first series of podcasts in the days leading up to the V Gradinata CD release party, you can still hear the episodes by visiting www.milavocalensemble.com/milacast. Let us know what you think by e-mailing milacast@milavocalensemble.com.
Photo gallery: V Gradinata CD release party
It was a lovely party, and we have the pictures to prove it! Thanks to Minneapolis-based Red Event Design for creating a memorablegarden-themed party, to the talented musicians who joined us, and to all of our gracious guests. If you missed the party, you can live (or re-live) the magic by viewing the slideshow. (56 photos)
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