Singer and choirmaster Ida Kelarová turns 70
Music can help heal the wounds we all carry inside. That is how singer Ida Kelarová often speaks about her work. One of the most distinctive voices in Czech music, she has spent decades bringing Romany songs to audiences at home and abroad. The singer, musician and choirmaster turns 70 next week, and today’s Sunday Music Show is dedicated to her music.
Born on February 10, 1956, in the town of Bruntál, Ida Kelarová is the daughter of Romany musician Koloman Bitto and the sister of violinist and singer Iva Bittová. Paradoxically, it was only years later that she fully discovered her Romany roots and began drawing inspiration from Roma culture and music, a turning point that came to define her work.
Today, that legacy lies at the heart of her artistic and personal life. Alongside performing and teaching, Ida Kelarová devotes much of her energy to supporting talented Romany children growing up in socially excluded communities in Czechia and Slovakia.
One of her most important projects is the Romany children’s choir Chavorenge, founded in 2011. The choir works closely with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and has offered many children the opportunity to develop their musical talent and confidence.
Ida Kelarová has also founded the International School for the Human Voice, organised workshops and multi-ethnic projects, and co-created the groups Romano Rat and Jazz Famelija, releasing albums that have been warmly received by critics.
