Before Listening

Would you ever think that there are connections between places as different as Appalachian hill country in the Eastern United States, small villages in Bulgaria, or towns in the northern Irish countryside?

Musician, singer, and composer Moira Smiley has spent much of her life discovering surprising cultural links through the music used throughout these diverse areas, as well as many others. She calls it the “calling voice”, and says that music has allowed her to experience and discover many new things about herself and the world around her. As you listen to Anny Celsi’s story about Moira Smiley, listen for the answers to these questions:

  • How did Moira become interested in music?
  • What regions and countries has she traveled to in search of traditional music?
  • How might traditional styles of singing be different in various countries?