"Zhena
spotlights the classic Rhodope style with its pentatonic melodies, stunning
octave leaps and unearthly glissando effects. The mostly a cappella performances
are every bit as stirring as the straight-from-Bulgaria releases I remember,
which is no surprise, since Zhena has serenaded the King-in-Exile of Bulgaria
and other visiting dignitaries. In addition to Bulgarian songs, the group
also performs folk songs from other Balkan nations, plus Russia, Turkey and
the Ukraine."
Bob Tarte, World Music Reviewer for Technobeat Magazine
"The singers of Zhena Folk Chorus were dressed in colorful native costumes
of Croatia and Bulgaria: bright embroidery over flowing white dresses, distinctivwe
headdresses, some starched to impressive heights. They sang music from Bosnia,
Croatia, Bulgaria, Dalmatia and Herzegovina, music that traditionally was
sung by groups of women (zhena means wife or woman in several Slavic languages).
They are songs celebrating love and dreaming, history and even chicken-plucking.The
close harmonies of the voices reflect the traditions and talents of groups
of women who spend their lives together singing for recreation. The ganga
style, for instance, involves complex dissonance, while other songs were richly
melodic. This was folk music presented with enthusiasm and with rich vocal
detail and it received enthusiastic support from the audience."
John Farrell, Reviewer for Long Beach Press-Telegram
"I recently attended a performance by Zhena Folk Chorus at the Muckenthaler
Cultural Center. The singers wore authentic, elaborate ethnic costumes, very
detailed and beautiful. The music and costumes are an authentic mix of Slavic
cultures such as Russian, Croatian, Polish, Czech, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Macedonian,
and Ukrainian. They sing a cappella a variety of themes and tempi in wonderfully
blended voices. The soloists are all excellent. Each song is a traditional
village story, prefaced by a brief introduction by their director. I thoroughly
enjoyed the performance and heartily recommend them to you as colorful entertainment."
Edee Craig, Editor of Orange County Mensa’s newsletter Oracle
We, the Oceanside Music Festival, invited Zhena to perform for us.
We were delighted with their performance. The ladies have incredible voices
and stage presence. They immediately established a rapport with the audience,
and kept them enthralled. They explained the history and cultural relevance
of their songs, so the audience understood and enjoyed the humor or poignancy
of the story, even though they could not understand the language.
Oceanside Cultural Arts Board member
We've received many compliments
for Zhena:
"Zhena was my favorite and I especially appreciated the explanation into
the folklore and stories of the old world. It added so much to each piece."
St Mary's Star of the Sea Music Director
"The choral group was diverse and exciting! What a treat for Oceanside
since we really don't get to experience this caliber of performers as often."
Musician
"It was a lovely choral concert. The women were such a rare treat to
hear."
Sally Dean, Director of North Coast Youth Singers and Palomar College Chorale
" We would highly recommend Zhena for any event and/or grant opportunities.
They are a treasure that needs to be supported and celebrated."
M. Eliane Weidauer, OMFest, Chair
