Island residents and students have a unique opportunity to expand their experience of diversity into Eastern Europe this October, when folk music group Harmonia presents the traditional music of the vast region ranging from the Danube to the Carpathians.

Harmonia’s repertoire reflects the varied cultures of this region: Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Romanian, Croatian, and Gypsy.

Harmonia’s members hav been called “obscenely talented” by the Folklore Society of Washington, D.C. And National Public Radio called the group a “musical gem.”

Members perform on authentic folk instruments, and the group as a whole is styled after turn-of-the-century East European Gypsy bands.

The group’s music is drawn from both the urban and rural traditions of Eastern Europe. “The ensemble’s performances evoke the full range of human emotions, interspersing fiery, passionate virtuosity with soulful melancholy and nostalgic yearning,” according to its publicity. The concert is supported by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the International Folk Dancers of Hawai‘i, and The Doubletree Alana Hotel-Waikiki.

Harmonia will perform at Orvis Auditorium on the University of Hawai‘i Manoa Campus on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 general, $15 Military/Students/Seniors/UH faculty and staff. Call 956-6878 to charge by phone or visit the UH Manoa Campus Center Ticket Office.

Tickets not sold in advance are available for purchase at the door beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information call 737-8011 or 239-7078.