Chaika

What do you get when you throw together the prowess of six highly creative musical minds? In the case of Chaika the result is a powerhouse of musical innovation.

Chaika are an ensemble of six young musicians who are drawn together with a desire to create a uniquely captivating sound. Sensuous, cinematic and at times irresistibly danceable, their music is a rich tapestry of spine-tingling vocal harmonies that weave seamlessly into instrumental dialogues and draw influence from the Balkans and contemporary jazz.

Clarinet, violin, piano, double-bass, guitar, accordion, vocals and percussion create soundscapes that go beyond the folk and jazz genres, recalling the textures and dynamic temperament of classical music and certainly with the same demand of technical agility.

They have toured extensively nationwide to great acclaim, performing at many high profile venues and festivals including opening for Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass festival in 2014, and closing for the Jungle Love Festival in 2016. They have been described as “deeply touching and meditative” as well as “exuberant, virtuosic and uplifting.”

Individually their members have written for and performed with artists such as Monsieur Camembert, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Nicky Bomba, Mara! & the Martenitsa Choir, Baby et Lulu, Riley Lee, The Rhythm Hunters and The Song Company on national and international stages. Together they create music of spellbinding beauty and exhilarating energy.

“It is easy to be enchanted” – The Australian

“Mesmerising… Extraordinary” – Fine Music FM