Extraordinary Orchestras: Ravi Shankar, and Iva Bittova

Spinning on Air | Jan 18, 2013

Sometimes diverse musical influences intersect in the orchestra, with exciting results. For his "Music Festival from India," in 1974 Ravi Shankar assembled an orchestra of instruments and musicians from the various traditions of India, and composed colorful pieces that bring those traditions together with Western harmony and ensemble playing. The album that resulted was produced by George Harrison, and was out of print for decades. David Garland presents selections from that old LP, and highlights from a brand new recording, "Zvon," which features Czech singer/violinist/composer Iva Bittova with the Prague Philharmonic. Bittova's unique, playful, emotional compositions draw on her Moravian heritage and many other influences as well as what she calls her own "personal folk music," and presented with orchestra they take on majestic dimensions.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
Gothamist |

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

Who’s Running This Place |

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms
On the Media |
YOU ARE ONLINE