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Clarissa Bitar composes songs of longing on ancient Middle Eastern instrument

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Clarissa Bitar about their new album, Bakhaf al-Layl, and how they are leaning into vocals after a long time spent not liking the sound of their voice.

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Ailsa Chang
Ailsa Chang is an award-winning journalist who hosts All Things Considered along with Ari Shapiro, Audie Cornish, and Mary Louise Kelly. She landed in public radio after practicing law for a few years.
Michael Levitt
Michael Levitt is a production assistant for All Things Considered. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science. Before coming to NPR, Levitt worked in the solar energy industry and for the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C. He has also travelled extensively in the Middle East and speaks Arabic.
Sarah Handel
Kira Wakeam