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Mara! and Martenitsa Choir Celebrate 30 Years Dual with Album Launch

intouch Magazine
Nov 3, 2025
1 min read

A group of women wearing red and black attire sing into microphones on a dimly lit stage, evoking a serious and focused mood. — Source: Mara Music

Dual ARIA-winning world/jazz ensemble Mara! and the acclaimed Martenitsa Choir are bringing their musical celebration to Hamilton, launching their highly anticipated album Za Vas Ot Nas (For You, From Us) at Hamilton Uniting Church on Sunday, 30 November.

The album marks an extraordinary 30-year milestone of performing, recording and touring together, featuring previously unreleased compositions and arrangements written especially for the combined ensemble by Mara! band members and colleagues.

The afternoon concert will showcase lush vocals, blistering solos and virtuosic musicianship from Mara! Quintet—featuring Sandy Evans on saxophones, Paul Cutlan on clarinets and saxophone, Lloyd Swanton on double bass, Llew Kiek on plucked strings and Mara on voice and percussion—alongside Martenitsa Choir and extraordinary soloist Silvia Entcheva.

The repertoire spans stunning original works by Sandy Evans, Paul Cutlan, Laura Bishop and Llew and Mara Kiek, plus new arrangements of traditional Bulgarian songs. Highlights include Evans' pieces featuring introspective lyrics by Bulgarian Australian poet Marcia Malinova-Anthony, and remarkable compositions by Laura Bishop showcasing poetry by Stefan Kozuharov.

Experience this unique fusion of Bulgarian vocal traditions and contemporary jazz innovation at Hamilton Uniting Church, 150 Beaumont Street. Tickets are on sale now at Humanitix, visit events.humanitix.com/za-vas-ot-nas-martenitsa-and-mara-album-launch. More information at www.maramusic.com.au.

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