The women's vocal ensemble, VAJRA VOICES, sings medieval to modern music in a singing style inspired by Hildegard von Bingen that is "clear, sweet, and strong.” In Eastern spiritual traditions, the Sanskrit word vajra symbolizes the thunderbolt of clarity and the indestructible nature of the diamond which signify strength of spirit. Founded by director, Karen R. Clark, Vajra Voices debuted on the Berkeley Festival Fringe series in 2010. Vajra Voices 2016 recording O Eterne Deus: Music of Hildegard von Bingen (on Music & Arts) is acclaimed by U.K.’s Choir & Organ as "the most convincing Hildegard disc yet from the USA”. Vajra Voices enjoys exploring early and modern music in new settings. The ensemble’s commitment to collaboration, include performances with Oakland Ballet and the modern dance company Garrett+Moulton Productions. Since 2017, Vajra Voices has worked with composer Theresa Wong to create vocal improvisation on texts by the 12th century Immortal Sun Bu’er. In January 2019, Vajra Voices— with Grace Cathedral— produced The Eve of the March: a celebration of the Divine Feminine. Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble and Vajra Voices joined forces with instrumentalist, Shira Kammen to present medieval chant, Eastern sacred and secular songs; and, the premiere Wong's song cycle, To Burst To Bloom. Vajra Voices has received grants from the San Francisco InterMusic Grant Program, and, the California Arts Council. ​​ Vajra Voices is committed to building a music and educational organization that inspires and upholds the disciplined arts so essential to our human existence.

Shira Kammen, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer