ABOUT US

Based out of Santa Cruz, CA, Zambra sings glorious global vocal music in over 15 languages.

Founded by Therese Hall Johannesson in 1994, Zambra was originally a bilingual community women’s choir (and for a couple of seasons also included a children's choir), but has since evolved into a smaller performing ensemble of ten accomplished singers.

We mostly perform a capella, but sometimes include traditional accompaniment such as bodhran (frame drum), dumbec, dulcimer, fiddle, flute and guitar. Our eclectic approach reflects the varied musical backgrounds of our members. A typical program might weave together Renaissance polyphony, early American shape note hymns, traditional Sephardic laments, Scots Gaelic waulking tunes, Bulgarian wedding songs, or French Canadian ballads. Though the repertoire is diverse, the sound and approach is consistently "Zambra," featuring many original arrangements by member Kathleen Loveless, and an attention to unifying musical and thematic threads across cultures.

Zambra is available to sing for public and private functions throughout the Bay Area. Past performances have included the Cabrillo Music Festival, First Night Santa Cruz, First Night Monterey, concert series of The Monterey Museum of Art and Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz Accapellafest, Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, Voices of the People, Cabrillo College Women's Conference, and numerous other events. Equally at home in the stage, sanctuary, or home setting, we have opened for feminist speakers such as Betty Friedan and Angela Davis, serenaded elementary school children, and provided intimate music for healing and hospice. We also offer special holiday programs of seasonal vocal music for corporate, community and family parties.

Besides being a performing ensemble, Zambra is also a close group of long-time friends. This social aspect was highlighted in a profile on us in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on December 15, 2005.