The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated on August 9 annually, in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations that took place in 1982. On this day, the United Nations reminds us of the Native people’s contributions to the world. Globally, we honor their precious efforts to preserve and protect the planet for generation

“The advantage of the Moon Lute is in its performance techniques including loud, soft, long, short notes, and fluttering and snapping sounds with significant depth. When playing the Moon Lute, we have to be dedicated, and make an effort to find its unique features. Otherwise, if we just play it casually, then we can’t make use of all the features of the instrument.” “When the Moon Lute is played,

Today, we will take you to Âu Lạc (Vietnam), to explore and enjoy the poetic and alluring beauty of the Moon Lute, a folk musical instrument classified as one of the national treasures of this beautiful country. The Moon Lute has other names such as “Kìm” Lute, Double-stringed Lute or Gentleman Lute. From its moon-shaped body, it was named the Moon Lute. The Moon Lute came to Âu Lạc during the Lý

During our time together, we will learn about a resourceful group of individuals in Western Canada called the Heiltsuk. Most of the Heiltsuk today live in the village of Bella Bella. The Heiltsuk have a well-defined code of ethics and morality, which has historically been taught through their oral tradition, music, dance, and artwork. The word Heiltsuk literally means “to speak or act correctly,”

The word Ainu means human in the Ainu language. Ainu mainly reside on Japan’s Hokkaido Island, with a very small number living in Russia. The traditional dress is comprised of a robe covered with geometric patterns. Genetic studies certainly reveal a fascinating picture of the Ainu people’s ancestry. It is thought that the Ainu are descendants of the Jōmon people whose culture flourished between 1

Located in Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country steeped in rich cultural traditions. The name “Thailand” means “land of the free.” In this auspicious nation, one of the earliest signs of human existence was found. Through the centuries, the influence of neighboring countries such as India, China, and Cambodia have helped shape Thailand’s diverse and colorfu

The Dorze live in the Gamo Highlands of Southern Ethiopia and have a population of about 30,000. Living approximately 2,600 meters above sea level, this hospitable community is renowned for its creative members who are skillful cotton weavers and builders. The Dorze are famous for the architectural design and construction of their homes. The residences are 6 – 12 meters high and are made in the sh

In today’s show, we will explore the history, culture, and natural wonders of Bermuda. Located in the North Atlantic off the east coast of North America, Bermuda is the oldest British colony. The water at beaches in Bermuda is always crystal-clear year round, making it a perfect relaxing destination for holiday vacations. Bermuda has a population of about 63,000 people, inheriting colorful culture

Our program today will feature Hindu songs composed and performed by Mr. Ramanathan Brahmanandam, a respected Hindu scholar and musician. He is also a compassionate vegetarian, who practices ahimsa (nonviolence) to aid his own Self-realization. Apart from being a distinguished scholar of Hinduism, Mr. Brahmanandam is also well-versed in the classical music tradition of South India. He composes and

As mentioned in the previous episode, Hawaiian mythologies, history, genealogies, and traditions were passed down from generation to generation through chant, or “oli,” and accompanying dance called “hula.” Today we are honored to have on our show Kumu Hula (master hula teacher) and choreographer, Ms. Nawahine Kuraoka. Ms. Kuraoka is here to share with us her knowledge of the beautiful hula dance.

The hula dance is an integral part of Hawaiian culture, and dates back 1,500 years ago, when the ancient Polynesians voyaged to Hawaii. In ancient Hawaii, there were different dances for various occasions. One of the rules in Hula dancing is “Kuhi no ka lima, hele no ka maka” or “Where the hands move, there let the eyes follow.” In other words, a dancer should always watch their hands at all times

Also known as the alpenhorn or alpine horn, the alphorn is a traditional wooden wind instrument that delivers natural tones. Historically it is known as a means of communication among shepherds, who often play it in the evening to call their cows to return home, as its resonating sound can travel for miles, ushering in the falling dusk. The instrument has no lateral openings, making the sound it p

The Mongolian people are devout spiritual seekers. Their sincerity in searching for spiritual elevation is expressed through many songs that praise and worship the Divine. Today, we would like to introduce three of these sacred songs. The first, “Khelkhee Ayalguu,” is a folk song that was performed by M. Saruultugs of the Erdenet Ensemble at the 2nd International Artist Day Celebration concert, “A

EI Salvador is in Central America and has the Pacific Ocean to the west, Guatemala to the north, and Honduras to the east. The Pipil people, who are the predominant indigenous group in the country, refer to their territory in Western EI Salvador as Cuscatlán, meaning “The Place of Jewel Necklaces.” Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to visit this exquisite nation will agree that it is a land

The recorder sings, excites, and soothes across the ranges of the upper musical spectrum. Historical mentions of the recorder, a member of the woodwind family, began to appear during the Renaissance in the 16th century. After a quiet interlude spanning several decades, the recorder was brought back into the mainstream at the end of the 19th century by certain virtuoso players such as Frans Brüggen

An artistic people, Bulgarians hope to better the world through music and dance. Thus, it’s no wonder that Bulgarian folk singing is recognized as a national treasure. Now Let's hear a famous traditional folk song called “Dilmano Dilbero,” performed by Le Mystѐre des Voix Bulgares, or The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices. A major aspect of Bulgarian folklore is the fact that its music and song Lyri

Since ancient times, singing has been mainly a female attribute in Bulgaria, while men mostly serve as instrumentalists. The powerful resonance, range, texture, and its penetrating quality are the most distinct characteristics of the Bulgarian voice. The songs are mostly traditional folk ballads, with the lyrics emphasizing people’s everyday feelings and lives. This simple, yet “straight from the

Ecuador hosts a portion of the magnificent Amazon rainforest and is also home to the native Waorani people, also known as the Huaorani, Waodani, or the Waos. Like other indigenous tribes across the globe, the Waorani have a symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. The forest is their beloved space, and they rely on nature for sustenance, water, safety, emotional fulfillment, and comfor

Senior citizens are an invaluable source of precious wisdom and provide us with love, understanding, and advice whenever we are in need. In Greek culture, elders are associated with wisdom and closeness to God. In ancient times, sages and oracles were mostly associated with the wise older men and women. It was noted in the history of ancient Sparta that politeness for elders was customary. In Anci

In this 2-part program, we celebrate the cultural traditions of respecting elders around the world across various religions. In Asian societies, honoring elders is one of the fundamental principles. For example, in the Chinese culture, there is a saying, “among hundreds of moral behaviors, the virtue of being filial comes first” The long tradition of Filial Virtue or Filial Piety is considered the