Album Notes

Mila is a professional women's vocal ensemble committed to the authentic reproduction of vocal traditions from over 30 countries in over a dozen distinct vocal styles. While grounded in the harmonic traditions of Eastern Europe, Mila's repertoire also includes music from Central and Western Europe, Asia and the Americas. Mila has performed to international acclaim, always pushing the boundaries of rhythm, harmony and styling.

On their second CD, Mila--with Orkestar Bez Ime--presents songs and music to celebrate the winter holidays. This live recording evokes all the moods of light, dark and cold to be found during the year's shortest days and darkest nights.

Mila's seven singers-once members of the Ethnic Dance Theatre-all hail from unique musical backgrounds and have studied with renowned vocalists from Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Spain and Ukraine. Mila owes its accuracy and authenticity to passionate research and rigorous training with native speakers and performers-including two of its current members. Between them, the singers of Mila speak nearly a dozen languages.

The name "Mila" has beautiful connotations-including "dear one," "love" and "celebration"-in many of the languages represented by its repertoire; it is also a common women's name in many Eastern European countries. Through the integrity of its music, Mila celebrates the beauty of the world's cultures.