Rare guests in jazz: kanklės | CLOSER TO MUSIC with Simona Smirnova

An evening with Simona Smirnova, a New York-based performer, kanklininke and vocalist. Find out how she uses kanklės in New York jazz clubs, performing with her quartet and travelling the world. During the evening we will have the opportunity to hear Simona perform pieces from her latest book 'Kanklės in New York', listen to recordings from her albums, chat and ask questions.

Links:

Simona Smirnova's page: http://www.simonasmirnova.nyc

'Kanklės in New York' documentary: https://youtu.be/67Tb5HZjSpE?si=P85-4tCl9Yvv6dRZ

'Solstice' studio clip: https://youtu.be/J47mF1Jzkw0?si=XwmGep0mQ4Bf_RWW

*CLOSER TO MUSIC is a series of informative tasting evenings of encounters with well-known or unknown music, led by interesting companions: musicologists, musicians, music lovers - fans of a particular genre, composer, instrument, performer or musical culture. They talk about the peculiarities of the music, the circumstances of its origin, select characteristic recordings for auditions and sometimes perform themselves.

Simona Smirnova is a composer and performer based in the USA for eleven years. Her musical journey began with kanklės music lessons at the Ignalina Music School. She studied jazz vocals at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, then moved to the USA to study contemporary composition at the Berklee College of Music. Simona has released four albums of her own music and one book 'Kanklės in New York'. Her compositions combine jazz, folk, classical and pop styles. Simona performs extensively in the USA, with an annual month-long tour to Australia and New Zealand and regular appearances in Europe. She actively promotes kanklės music in Lithuanian schools and communities in the USA, conducting workshops and interactive concerts. In last year's Global Lithuanian Leaders Awards, Simona was nominated for promoting Lithuania through creativity. Simona is an active member of the music community. She is a voting member of the prestigious Grammy Recording Academy and a member of the New York Composers Union. Her open and warm personality attracts many people to her seminars, concerts and events, and at the Music Magic Club we invite you to come prepared not only to learn about kanklės but also to have fun and chat!