Based in Sydney, the six-piece ensemble Chaika take their name from the Bulgarian word for ‘seagull’. They create a beguiling and original sound-world, blending four female voices with Clarinet, Violin, Piano, Accordion, Double-Bass, Guitar and Percussion.

Chaika draws influences from folk traditions, jazz and classical music. Described as ‘cinematic, deeply touching and meditative’, as well as ‘exuberant, virtuosic and uplifting’, Chaika’s strength is the elusiveness of their style.

This is their first independent album release, recorded when they were only a four-piece all-female ensemble. However several tracks feature future full-time band members Johan Delin and Rendra Freestone as guests on double bass and percussion respectively.

The album explores a rich collection of both traditional and original compositions, from the swaying sensuousness of the lone clarinet opening the album on the original 'According to Dusk', to the frenetic energy of the traditional tune 'Tropnalo Oro' ('The Big Dance'), or the mellifluous jazz piano led original 'Bridge in Budapest', the quirky toe-tapper 'Celtywood' (combining both 'Celtic' and 'Bollywood'!), and the sublime close harmonies on a capella numbers 'Yomi Yomi' (in Yiddish) and Polegnala e Tudora (Bulgarian).

Like their namesake, Chaika gently wander through foreign lands, through storms and through stories, emerging rich with experience and an enchanting tale to tell.


'Words cannot describe how great and unique they really are. Seeing this kind of music produced live was an amazing experience, which we were lucky to witness.'
– The Rhythm Hut, Central Coast

'Spine tingling a capella ... sublime harmony vocals... It is easy to be enchanted by the beauty of their four-part harmony vocals... Chaika’s collective instrumental chops, not to mention its ability as arrangers and composers, are well exhibited.'
– Tony Hillier, Rhythm Magazine & The Australian

‘Beautiful! I love the way your pieces often abruptly shift gears, and how the textures change - how we're bopping along with an instrumental when suddenly we're into four-part female vocals… Most of all I love the soul with which you imbue your pieces’
exhibited.'
– Martin Wesley-Smith (Australian composer)

‘Clarinet, accordion, violin & double bass all intertwine diversely & at times unpredictably giving Chaika a rich depth. … such a young & talented group of musicians’
– Eastside Radio, Sydney

Chaika are:

Emily-Rose Sarkova: Accordion, Piano, Vocals
Laura Bishop: Percussion, Piano, Vocals, Accordion
Susie Bishop: Violin, Vocals, Guitar
Laura Altman: Clarinet, Vocals
Johan Delin: Double Bass, Vocals
Rendra Freestone: Percussion, Vocals, Guitar.