Hailing from the Czech Republic, Iva Bittová is one of Europe’s most innovative and celebrated artists. She began her career as an actor in the mid-1970s, appearing in several Czech and Slovak feature films.

Born to famed Roma violinist Bittó Kálmán, she began playing violin and singing at a very early age. By 1990 her unique vocal and instrumental technique gained her international recognition. Since then, she has released nearly 20 albums and has performed regularly throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, and the United States – including twice at the Luckman.

Bittová has continued acting and still occasionally appears in feature films. She appeared in the critically acclaimed film Želary which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

Shot on location on her Hudson Valley, New York property, this special episode features musician and composer Antonín Fajt.