Close Harmony from Around the World

Culomba is a Massachusetts-based vocal ensemble specializing in close harmony singing from around the world. Culomba (“dove” in the Corsican language) draws from a deep well of repertoire, including American folk traditions, music of Georgia, Corsica, the Balkans, Ukraine, early European polyphony, and original compositions. Culomba's singers have studied with masters of these traditions, and each brings their specialized knowledge to this unique ensemble.

The group is powered by longtime friendships, roots in New England singing communities, and passion for close harmony in all its forms. They formed in 2018 after years of singing together, both professionally and around the kitchen table. Their approach to music is rigorous and expansive; it involves regular contact with tradition-bearers, tuning chords slowly, listening to crackly old recordings, and lots of collaborative arranging.

Culomba’s shows combine this attention to detail with a relaxed stage presence that draws in listeners of all kinds. To quote one of their fans, “The group never fails to locate the music in the tradition, in a way that involves anecdotes, jokes, a well-placed comparison; you name it..[I]t pulls you into participation.” Culomba believes that harmony singing nourishes them and their audiences, fostering empathy, connection, and curiosity.

Culomba Members:

Sophie Michaux (mezzo-soprano; accordion)'
Adam Jacob Simon (tenor/baritone; plucked strings; composer)
Lysander Jaffe (tenor, violin)
Lexi Ugelow (alto, percussion)
Daniel Fridley (bass; wind instruments)
Sora Harris-Vincent (alto)
Avery Sherman (bass)

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