Women of the World - Koloro

"Wonderful!!!!" Bobby McFerrin, Grammy award-winning vocalist 'The music spoke throughout the night-it shouted, it soothed, it pleaded, it celebrated. The visual was as powerful as the music: here were women from around the world, and here was family. But the strongest pulse of all was the palpable joy of these women creating the music together.' Nikki Flionis - The Arts - Fenway News "These young and talented women bring together diverse and powerful international music, their commitment to building community, and their belief that love is essential. They have it! For each other and the world." Rhiannon, Master Vocal clinician, Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra "They are living, vibrant proof that the people of the world can play, sing, and work together in love and peace." Larry Bethune, Vice President of Student Affairs, Berklee College of Music "It is just amazing to hear Women of the World's multi-faceted talent, the depth and complexity of their pieces, and to watch their passion for what they do. They are a stunning group with incredible talent." Ann Miller, President of Boston Jazz Voices "Women of the World inspires us, with their musical virtuosity and their joyful performance, to acknowledge and embrace our common humanity." Roger Brown, President of Berklee College of Music "As a singer in a 4-voice group, it's not lost on me how PERFECT they are in every aspect. The blend is unparalleled. And the volume control between them is astounding. When there's only one person singing a part, each one is in essence naked and exposed. I kept listening for even the slightest intonation flaw or one part sticking out, and never heard it. They are amazing and hopefully the rest of the world will get to hear them." Alan Nelson, Vocalist, Safam ------ About Koloro - our debut CD Colors. Orange. Fire. Passion. Sun. Energy. Breath. Wind. Leaves. Rain. Water. Senses. Skin. Warmth. Hugs. Laughter. Joy. Seasons. Change. Evolution. Life. Music. Women of the World was created to bring women musicians from across the globe onto a common creative platform. Women who not only worked and performed together, but who learned from each other, exploring each other's culture, language, food, and traditions by interacting closely on a daily basis. Four years after our first concert, the time to document this sisterhood had arrived. With music from Brazil, India, Africa, the Middle East, and the Appalachian mountains, 'Koloro' is a glimpse into our everyday experience as a family of musicians from around the world. Music you can hear, smell, see, and taste. Women of the World Ten women. Six countries. One voice. ****Koloro... 'color' in Esperanto, the language created to transcend nationality by fostering peace and international understanding, a language for all. ------ Who We Are... Women of the World is an international world music ensemble currently based in Boston. What started out as a dream four years ago, has become a real musical force. Ayumi Ueda, a Berklee College of Music alumnus from Japan, sought to create an ensemble of women from all over the world to create music for peace. In 2008, Ayumi joined forces with like-minded musicians, Giorgia Renosto from Italy, Annette Philip from India, and Débòrah Pierre from USA/Haiti in order to manifest this vision. Complemented by an eclectic band currently featuring Hinako Sato (piano), Noriko Terada (percussion) and Kazuyo Kuriya (flute) from Japan, Sara Cristal Peña Coffin (bass) from Mexico, and Sue Buzzard (violin) and Shirazette Tinnin (drums) from the United States of America, this unique ensemble of women musicians delighted in sharing the beauty of different cultures and what that cross-pollination sounded like in music. Each of the eight women has a strong artistic identity shaped by the culture in which she grew up, and each finds endless excitement in learning and exploring the many cultures of the world. The unique music which stems forth from this mixture of artistry has created for a sound which is all it's own - borderless, spirited, and carrying the undeniable message of unity. The Women of the World repertoire is thus, vast and varied. Constantly searching for new genres to explore, the group has performed in over a dozen of the world's languages. From Bulgarian, Cuban, Ladino, Brazilian, African, Indian and Japanese music to spontaneous improvisation and a-cappella interludes, the sound created by this unique group has grown to have a power that moves not only the members, but huger and huger audiences, as it spreads awareness of different cultures, music, and philosophies. Through their work, Women of the World created a stir in the community, receiving support from renowned artists such as Grammy-award winning maestro, Bobby McFerrin. They went on to share the stage with African vocal icon, Angelique Kidjo; Greek classical artist, Mario Frangoulis; and the Boston Pops Orchestra led by maestro conductor Keith Lockhart. The group has also supported various causes including fundraisers for victims of natural disasters in Haiti, Pakistan, and most recently, Japan. With tours in USA and Japan, including performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club and Carnegie Hall, New York; Symphony Hall, Boston; presentations at TEDx Boston, and collaborations with the United Nations, Women of the World continues to spread the message of peace and unity through music. To date, Women of the World has brought over 200 women musicians together, and continues to strive forward with the motto, 'Spread the Joy'.

1) Tat Engenho Novo
2) Dere Na
3) Erev Shel Shoshanim
4) My Africa
5) Pretty Saro