Vocal Technique and Singing Early Music with Karen R. Clark
Monday, June 8, 2026 from 11AM to 1PM
Singers of Early Music quickly discover that not all singing styles are identical. We train using vocal exercises to establish consistency and continuity throughout the vocal range. Ideally, the singer learns to discern and adjust the tone quality appropriate to the repertoire at hand. For instance, we recognize that the 19th-century opera or lieder voice is not the same voice for Machaut or Bach.
However, how does this occur?
In this lecture-demonstration and mini-workshop, Karen R. Clark, contralto and director of Vajra Voices, presents an overview and a method for approaching and embodying the requisite singing styles from chant to modern music. Drawing from her studies of sensory awareness, opera, and early music, and her 40-year career as a singer in repertory ranging from medieval to modern, Karen will provide brief introductions to singing medieval music from chant to Bach and offer vocal/awareness exercises she has developed with her students and for her own use.
All are welcome to attend. Singers of all levels: if you are comfortable singing to demonstrate in some of the exercises, please use the contact page on www.karenclark.studio website and share a bit about your background and any questions you may have.
Location: Berkeley Piano Club 2724 Haste St. Berkeley, CA 94704
Suggested fee is $20 and pay what you can.
Monday, June 8, 2026 from 11AM to 1PM
Singers of Early Music quickly discover that not all singing styles are identical. We train using vocal exercises to establish consistency and continuity throughout the vocal range. Ideally, the singer learns to discern and adjust the tone quality appropriate to the repertoire at hand. For instance, we recognize that the 19th-century opera or lieder voice is not the same voice for Machaut or Bach.
However, how does this occur?
In this lecture-demonstration and mini-workshop, Karen R. Clark, contralto and director of Vajra Voices, presents an overview and a method for approaching and embodying the requisite singing styles from chant to modern music. Drawing from her studies of sensory awareness, opera, and early music, and her 40-year career as a singer in repertory ranging from medieval to modern, Karen will provide brief introductions to singing medieval music from chant to Bach and offer vocal/awareness exercises she has developed with her students and for her own use.
All are welcome to attend. Singers of all levels: if you are comfortable singing to demonstrate in some of the exercises, please use the contact page on www.karenclark.studio website and share a bit about your background and any questions you may have.
Location: Berkeley Piano Club 2724 Haste St. Berkeley, CA 94704
Suggested fee is $20 and pay what you can.
Spiritual Greening: Medieval Songs for the Earth
Wednesday, June 10 at 11am
Vajra Voices, renowned for their soul-stirring voices, collaborate with the inspiring instrumental-vocalist, Shira Kammen, to present a captivating program of spiritual reflection and praise spanning from medieval to modern song. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the release of our highly acclaimed CD, “O Eterne Deus: Music of Hildegard von Bingen,” released by Music & Arts label. Our concert features selections from the CD, along with more recent music inspired by the Appalachian mountains. “Viriditas,” or spiritual verdant health, was penned as early as the 5th and 6th centuries. The 12th century medieval mystic, theologian, physician, and musician, Hildegard von Bingen, composed the rhapsodic responsory, “O Viriditas Digiti Dei,” which refers to the “green fingers of God” and extols the beauty of the vineyards where she resided at Disibodenberg and later Bingen. For Hildegard, God is present in all of creation.
Our program aims to connect us with our shared human experience with the earth, our ancestors, and one another. Join us as we raise our voices and set our intentions for healing all suffering and nurturing our verdant earth.
Tickets are at the door. Suggested fee: $20.
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2005 Berryman Street, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
Wednesday, June 10 at 11am
Vajra Voices, renowned for their soul-stirring voices, collaborate with the inspiring instrumental-vocalist, Shira Kammen, to present a captivating program of spiritual reflection and praise spanning from medieval to modern song. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the release of our highly acclaimed CD, “O Eterne Deus: Music of Hildegard von Bingen,” released by Music & Arts label. Our concert features selections from the CD, along with more recent music inspired by the Appalachian mountains. “Viriditas,” or spiritual verdant health, was penned as early as the 5th and 6th centuries. The 12th century medieval mystic, theologian, physician, and musician, Hildegard von Bingen, composed the rhapsodic responsory, “O Viriditas Digiti Dei,” which refers to the “green fingers of God” and extols the beauty of the vineyards where she resided at Disibodenberg and later Bingen. For Hildegard, God is present in all of creation.
Our program aims to connect us with our shared human experience with the earth, our ancestors, and one another. Join us as we raise our voices and set our intentions for healing all suffering and nurturing our verdant earth.
Tickets are at the door. Suggested fee: $20.
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2005 Berryman Street, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
Film Release
Vajra Voices sings on the soundtrack for the Elena Oxman film OUTERLANDS starring Asia Kate Dillon. Available now in wide release on major platforms.
BUY/RENT OUTERLANDS TODAY links can be found here:
BUY/RENT OUTERLANDS TODAY links can be found here:
- ⭐ Prime Video (Recommended) – https://amzn.to/49MFgqd
- 🍎 Apple TV – https://apple.co/3M3kyIH
- 🎞️ Fandango-At-Home – https://bit.ly/3KqCTy
Concerts
"We had a beautiful experience recording these songs with these amazing singers based out of San Francisco called VAJRA VOICES.
There are moments in making a film that are sort of magical, and that was one of them."
OUTERLANDS Film Director and Writer, Elena Oxman PURPLE HOUR
There are moments in making a film that are sort of magical, and that was one of them."
OUTERLANDS Film Director and Writer, Elena Oxman PURPLE HOUR
Aquitania to Appalachia: Our Ancient Belonging
Friday, February 27, 7:30pm First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street at Lincoln, Palo Alto
Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm, First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational) 2345 Channing Way
Sunday, March 1, 4:00pm, St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, 500 De Haro St., San Francisco
VAJRA VOICES & SHIRA KAMMEN perform on the San Francisco Early Music Society Concert Series 2025-2026
Vajra Voices—the Bay Area’s soul-stirring women’s vocal ensemble—bridges 11th-century polyphony with American traditions of devotional singing in Aquitania to Appalachia: Our Ancient Belonging. Joined by the inventive multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Shira Kammen, the ensemble will explore the powerful synergy of singing and prayer in “rich, electric, full-blooded” ensemble. As the Irish spiritual teacher John O’Donahue (1956–2008) writes: “Prayer is the voice of longing that reaches outward and inwards to unearth our ancient belonging.”
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm, First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational) 2345 Channing Way
Sunday, March 1, 4:00pm, St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, 500 De Haro St., San Francisco
VAJRA VOICES & SHIRA KAMMEN perform on the San Francisco Early Music Society Concert Series 2025-2026
Vajra Voices—the Bay Area’s soul-stirring women’s vocal ensemble—bridges 11th-century polyphony with American traditions of devotional singing in Aquitania to Appalachia: Our Ancient Belonging. Joined by the inventive multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Shira Kammen, the ensemble will explore the powerful synergy of singing and prayer in “rich, electric, full-blooded” ensemble. As the Irish spiritual teacher John O’Donahue (1956–2008) writes: “Prayer is the voice of longing that reaches outward and inwards to unearth our ancient belonging.”
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
Fire of the Spirit: In Harmony
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 5pm
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
2005 Berryman Street
Berkeley, CA. 94709
Suggested admission is $20
In this concert VAJRA VOICES sings the rhapsodic medieval liturgical song of Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) and, the florid organum from the 10th-11th century manuscripts known as, St. Martial. 'Fire of the Spirit' refers to the Holy Spirit which in medieval theology infuses all of creation. In the second half of our program we explore harmonies from the American Appalachian song tradition. Join us for this program of reflection and jubilation across the centuries.
Our program features songs from our recent soundtrack recording for the film, Outerlands which premiered in 2025.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 5pm
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
2005 Berryman Street
Berkeley, CA. 94709
Suggested admission is $20
In this concert VAJRA VOICES sings the rhapsodic medieval liturgical song of Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) and, the florid organum from the 10th-11th century manuscripts known as, St. Martial. 'Fire of the Spirit' refers to the Holy Spirit which in medieval theology infuses all of creation. In the second half of our program we explore harmonies from the American Appalachian song tradition. Join us for this program of reflection and jubilation across the centuries.
Our program features songs from our recent soundtrack recording for the film, Outerlands which premiered in 2025.
Listen to the the live-stream of our recent May 25th concert HERE
MEDIEVAL SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE in Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Vajra Voices HERE.
MEDIEVAL SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE in Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Vajra Voices HERE.
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 at 4PM
MEDIEVAL SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE in Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Vajra Voices & multi-instrumentalist Shira Kammen sing devotional music in a program highlighting Saint Martial (Aquitanian) Polyphony and songs of Hildegard von Bingen. This one-hour program of musical meditations recalls Saint Augustine's philosophy: when we sing, we remember. May our performance honor all the brave souls —throughout the centuries— who have sacrificed to uphold the virtues of truth, justice, democracy, and integrity.
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION, 1111 Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
MEDIEVAL SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE in Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Vajra Voices & multi-instrumentalist Shira Kammen sing devotional music in a program highlighting Saint Martial (Aquitanian) Polyphony and songs of Hildegard von Bingen. This one-hour program of musical meditations recalls Saint Augustine's philosophy: when we sing, we remember. May our performance honor all the brave souls —throughout the centuries— who have sacrificed to uphold the virtues of truth, justice, democracy, and integrity.
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION, 1111 Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025 at 7PM
A LENTEN VESPERS:
ATTENTION & DEVOTION
Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito, CA
Vajra Voices is delighted to sing for this service of medieval music presented by Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito. Our program features devotional songs of the medieval Abbess, Saint Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), Gregorian chant, and a 14th century telling of the grief of Maria Mater from the Las Huelgas de Burgos manuscript.
The evening service is just over an hour and is followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
Suggested donation: $35/$40
The beautiful redwood sanctuary of CEC, Sausalito offers an intimate peaceful setting. We highly suggest you reserve your seats now.
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR RESERVATION
Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito, 70 Santa Rosa Avenue, Sausalito, CA 94965
A LENTEN VESPERS:
ATTENTION & DEVOTION
Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito, CA
Vajra Voices is delighted to sing for this service of medieval music presented by Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito. Our program features devotional songs of the medieval Abbess, Saint Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), Gregorian chant, and a 14th century telling of the grief of Maria Mater from the Las Huelgas de Burgos manuscript.
The evening service is just over an hour and is followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
Suggested donation: $35/$40
The beautiful redwood sanctuary of CEC, Sausalito offers an intimate peaceful setting. We highly suggest you reserve your seats now.
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR RESERVATION
Christ Episcopal Church, Sausalito, 70 Santa Rosa Avenue, Sausalito, CA 94965
Caroline, Phoebe, Celeste, Karen, Amy
Classes
MONDAYS, MARCH 10, 24, & 31, 5:30-6:30PM PDT
VOCAL TECHNIQUE FOR AGING VOICES
Vajra Voices director, Karen R. Clark presents this online— via Zoom— class sponsored by The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music.
CLICK FOR DETAILS
VOCAL TECHNIQUE FOR AGING VOICES
Vajra Voices director, Karen R. Clark presents this online— via Zoom— class sponsored by The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music.
CLICK FOR DETAILS
sSATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
1PM to 2PM
As part of San Francisco Bach Choirs workshop series, Many Voices, One Art!
Vajra Voices director, Karen R. Clark presents a class on Singing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen.
Calvary Presbyterian Church
2515 Fillmore Street (@Jackson)
San Francisco
CLICK FOR DETAILS
1PM to 2PM
As part of San Francisco Bach Choirs workshop series, Many Voices, One Art!
Vajra Voices director, Karen R. Clark presents a class on Singing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen.
Calvary Presbyterian Church
2515 Fillmore Street (@Jackson)
San Francisco
CLICK FOR DETAILS
BODY & SOUL in Medieval Song
Vajra Voices with Shira Kammen, vielle/harp & voice
present an elegant potpourri of florid chant, trouvère chansons and polyphonic motets
Friday, June 14th, 2024
2 o'clock in the afternoon
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
2005 Berryman Street
Berkeley, CA. 94709
Suggested admission is $20
With this performance Vajra Voices is excited and grateful to add soprano, Caroline Jou Armitage to our roster.
Body & Soul Concert Program and Text Translations , June 14, 2024, Berkeley, CA
Vajra Voices with Shira Kammen, vielle/harp & voice
present an elegant potpourri of florid chant, trouvère chansons and polyphonic motets
Friday, June 14th, 2024
2 o'clock in the afternoon
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
2005 Berryman Street
Berkeley, CA. 94709
Suggested admission is $20
With this performance Vajra Voices is excited and grateful to add soprano, Caroline Jou Armitage to our roster.
Body & Soul Concert Program and Text Translations , June 14, 2024, Berkeley, CA
Past performances
REUNION: Vajra Voices
with Shira Kammen, vielle/harp & voice
in Concert
Sunday, July 2, 2023
3 o'clock in the afternoon
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
1823 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
On Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 at 3PM Vajra Voices and Shira Kammen present Reunion in the sanctuary of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,1823 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA. 94710. Our program draws from the heart of our medieval repertoire to include the florid chant of Hildegard von Bingen, chansons of the Troubadours and Trouvère, and the mosaic motets of Guillaume de Machaut. The individual talents of members: Allison Zelles Lloyd, Amy Stuart Hunn, Phoebe Jevtovic Rosquist, Celeste Winant, and director, Karen Clark with the ever inspiring multi-instrumentalist, Shira Kammen gather to rekindle the power and beauty of female vocal artistry. Please join us for Reunion. A light reception immediately follows.
Suggested donation: $30. No one turned away for lack of funds.
LISTEN to excerpts from Vajra Voices latest concert on WFIU Public Radio's, Harmonia Uncut with host Wendy Gillespie.
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Friday, February 1, 2020 at 7:30pm
Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Baroque Festival presents Vajra Voices and Mary Springfels, vielle in a concert of medieval music. In a Medieval Garden features the sacred chant of Hildegard von Bingen and devotional songs of love from the French Trouvére repertory. The program highlights Guillaume de Machaut's hypnotic Le Lai de la Fonteinne. Tickets Friday, January 18, 2019 at 7:30pm
Vajra Voices and Grace Cathedral present THE EVE OF THE MARCH Vajra Voices with world renown Women's Vocal Ensemble Kitka celebrate the divine feminine in song with Shira Kammen, multi-instrumentalist and Theresa Wong, composer/cellist/vocalist Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 4:30pm
Women’s Voices Uplifted Explorations in Medieval & Modern Song, Hildegard von Bingen to Modern Women SFEMS Early Music Sundays at CJC 2087 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA Tickets are $20 and will be available in December. Box Office: 510-845-5373 or www.cjc.edu/concert Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 4:00pm
Women's Voices Uplifted Women composers from the 12th to 16th centuries, including, Hildegard von Bingen, and Leonore d’Este. St. Bede's Episcopal Church Menlo Park, CA Email: [email protected] Price Range: $15-$20 Tickets: 650-854-6555 |