Kitka: The Harmonies of Eastern Europe

By Jennifer Ludden

Published December 18, 2004 at 12:00 AM EST

Drawing on the centuries-old tradition of female vocal music from Eastern Europe, the women's ensemble Kitka has won wide acclaim for their lush harmonies and stunning dissonances.

On the CD Wintersongs, Kitka performs traditional hymns and village carols from Romania, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine, and Macedonia -- countries where winter is seen as a time to express hope for the return of light, health, and fertility in the coming year.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with long-time ensemble members Shira Cion and Juliana Graffagna about the traditions of their music.

Jennifer Ludden

Jennifer Ludden helps edit energy and environment stories for NPR's National Desk, working with NPR staffers and a team of public radio reporters across the country. They track the shift to clean energy, state and federal policy moves, and how people and communities are coping with the mounting impacts of climate change.

See stories by Jennifer Ludden

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