Note: Emily-Rose was a founding member, performer and manager of this group until 2023. They are currently continuing as a quintet.
Melding the earthiness of folk, dexterity of jazz and the craft of classical, Chaika’s vast influences create superb genre-blending music that transcends labels.
ARIA nominated, described as “spine-tingling” (Rhythms) and “extraordinary” (Fine Music FM), the Sydney-based sextet create a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of sounds – a true culmination of compositional, arranging and improvising prowess, performed with stunning attention to detail.
Their latest album, ARROW (2019), has received the ARIA nomination for Best World Music Album 2019, recorded and produced by ARIA award-winning team Bob Scott and Llew Kiek.
“Like a gust of wind ushering in a new season of possibilities … Arrow, as the title suggests, offered listeners a new direction in Australian Folk music, an innovative blend of beautifully crafted pieces.” (What’s on Sydney)
“This is Chaika at their best – incorporating the world of rhythms and sounds of traditional music and channeling them into something beautiful” (Timber and Steel).
Chaika comprises some of Australia’s most sought after musicians: Susie Bishop (violin, guitar, vocals), Laura Altman (clarinet, vocals), Emily-Rose Sarkova (accordion, piano, vocals), Laura Bishop (percussion, piano, accordion, vocals), Johan Delin (double bass, vocals) and Rendra Freestone (percussion, guitar, vocals).
They have worked with an impressive roster including Nicky Bomba, Monsieur Camembert, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Mara! & the Martenitsa Choir, The Song Company, Rhythm Hunters, Kevin James, Baby et Lulu, Marais Ensemble, Elysian Fields, Miriam Lieberman Trio, Alireza Ghorbani, Great Waitress, Tángalo, Klezmer Divas, The London Bulgarian Choir, & The Renaissance Players, on major national & international stages.
At home wherever appreciative ears assemble – from roots and folk festivals to the world-class environs of Sydney’s City Recital Hall – Chaika surprise, thrill and move the unsuspecting listener. Decidedly “outside the norm” (Timber & Steel) Chaika traverse another age, journeying an unidentifiable era and landscape, in a manner simply referred to by The Australian as “enchanting.”
For their full site visit: www.chaikaband.com