Polina Shepherd

Apollo's Fire US tour - San Francisco
2023-03-15 - 2023-03-16
Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas

I am delighted to be one of the featured soloists (along with Merlin Shepherd) in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas – a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio) on tour in the USA and Europe.
A company of 24 musicians – including Jewish, Arab, and African-American artists – raise their voices in love and celebration.

March 8 – Akron, OH, The BATH Church, book here
March 8 – Cleveland, OH, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Beachwood, book here
March 10 – Cleveland, OH, West Shore Unitarian Universalist, Rocky River. book here
March 11- Evanston, IL. Music Institute of Chicago. Pre-Concert Conversation with the artists 30 minutes before the concert. Book here
March 12 – Chicago, Anshe Emet Synagogue. Pre-Concert Conversation with the artists 30 minutes before the concert. Book here
March 15 – San Francisco, CA. Taube Atrium Theater, Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 16 – San Francisco, CA. Taube Atrium Theater, Wilsey Center for Opera. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 17 – Palo Alto, CA. Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 19 – New York. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Book here
April 4 – Cleveland, OH. Cleveland Museum of Art. Gartner Auditorium Book here
Related Images:

Apollo's Fire US tour - Stanford University, Palo Alto
2023-03-17
Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas
Polina Shepherd is one of the featured singers in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas – a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Expelled from their homes and scattered across the earth, exiled peoples have often found strength and resilience in their music. This new programme… celebrates the interwoven connections of the Sephardic, Ashkenazy, Palestinian and African traditions.”
USA Tour dates
March 8-10 – Cleveland, OH
March 11-12 – Chicago
March 15-16 – San Francisco, joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF.
March 17 – Stanford University, Palo Alto
March 19 – New York. Metropolitan Museum
April 4 – Cleveland, OH
For more information and tickets, go here
Related Images:

Apollo's Fire US tour - New York
2023-03-19 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Diaspora: Jewish Music of Longing and Celebration
The Met Fifth Avenue The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
Polina Shepherd is one of the featured singers in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas – a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Expelled from their homes and scattered across the earth, exiled peoples have often found strength and resilience in their music. This new programme… celebrates the interwoven connections of the Sephardic, Ashkenazy, Palestinian and African traditions.”
Apollo’s Fire, led by conductor-harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell, has garnered praise for its “ingenious programme[s]” and “superlative music-making” (The Daily Telegraph). The GRAMMY®-winning ensemble has sold out performances at Carnegie Hall, the BBC Proms, the Tanglewood Festival, and the Royal Theatre of Madrid, among others. Returning to The Met for the first time in three years, they present a thrilling mélange of music—both familiar and recently discovered—from Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jewish traditions, plus selections from Baroque Italy’s small, but mighty community of Jewish composers.
Tickets start at $35 ($30 + $5 service fee)
MetLiveArts tickets include Museum admission on the day of the event. For more information, call 212-570-3949 or email meteventtix@metmuseum.org.

USA tour dates:
March 8 – Akron, OH, The BATH Church, book here
March 8 – Cleveland, OH, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Beachwood, book here
March 10 – Cleveland, OH, West Shore Unitarian Universalist, Rocky River. book here
March 11- Evanston, IL. Music Institute of Chicago. Pre-Concert Conversation with the artists 30 minutes before the concert. Book here
March 12 – Chicago, Anshe Emet Synagogue. Pre-Concert Conversation with the artists 30 minutes before the concert. Book here
March 15 – San Francisco, CA. Taube Atrium Theater, Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 16 – San Francisco, CA. Taube Atrium Theater, Wilsey Center for Opera. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 17 – Palo Alto, CA. Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University. Joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF. Book here
March 19 – New York. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Book here
April 4 – Cleveland, OH. Cleveland Museum of Art. Gartner Auditorium Book here
For more information and tickets, go here
Related Images:

Two shows at Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre, New York.
2023-03-26 | Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre, 36 Battery Place, New York, NY, 10280, United States
American Premiere – New Yiddish Theatrical Concert

pleytem tsuzamen – Refugees Together

March 26, 2023 @ 1PM & 6PM
BOOK HERE
READ MORE

pleytem tsuzamen / REFUGEES TOGETHER – a new Yiddish theatrical concert – music and lyrics by Josh Waletzky, book by Jeyn Levison, directed by Michael Barakiva – is making its U.S. premiere in NYC on March 26.

Yiddish singers and actors – Daniel Kahn, Svetlana Kundish, Sasha Lurje, Polina Shepherd and Joshua Waletzky.

Band – Merlin Shepherd, Polina Shepherd, Ilya Shneyveys, Jake Shulman-Ment , Beth Silver and Deborah Strauss.

Pleytem Tsuzamen (Refugees Together) is a call for solidarity with those who are most threatened. Confronting our current reality, the songs present a dynamic fusion of traditional forms with the social, political, and personal challenges posed by the world today — and they embody the power of music to foster the courage we need to “link arms and take to the streets together against bloodshed and hatred.”

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Apollo's Fire US tour - Cleveland, OH
2023-04-04 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas
Book here
Though stolen from their homeland and scattered across the world, both Jews and Africans found strength in their music. Discover the rhythms of the Jewish ghetto in 1620 – dances and prayers from the Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Jewish baroque, and North African traditions. A company of 24 musicians – including Jewish, Arab, and African-American artists – raise their voices in love and celebration.

Pre-concert talk by guest artists, Yiddish singer Polina Shepherd and Israeli recorder/ney player Daphna Mor, 1 hour before the performance.

Featured Artists
Polina Skovoroda Shepherd,soprano
Jacob Perry & Haitham Haidar,tenor
Jeffrey Strauss,baritone
Daphna Mor,recorder, ney, vocals
Merlin Shepherd,clarinets

Now a GRAMMY®-winning orchestra, Apollo’s Fire has performed sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, the BBC Proms, the Royal Theatre of Madrid, the Tanglewood Festival, the Metropolitan Museum of Art… and more! But what Apollo’s Fire musicians love most is bringing world-class performances to your doorstep – in a continuous “tour” of Northeast Ohio neighborhoods.
Founding Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell is praised for her “inspired leadership” (THE INDEPENDENT, London) and “revelatory performances” (OPERA NEWS). Apollo’s Fire is dedicated to reviving the true spirit of baroque performances – not only with period instruments, but with the emotional impact the music was meant to convey.
USA Tour dates
March 8-10 – Cleveland, OH
March 11-12 – Chicago
March 15-16 – San Francisco, joined by members of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SF.
March 17 – Stanford University, Palo Alto
March 19 – New York. Metropolitan Museum
April 4 – Cleveland, OH
For more information and tickets, go here
Related Images:

Apollo’s Fire on tour - Heidelberg, Germany
2023-04-13 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
Apollo’s Fire O Jerusalem!
Part of Heidelberger Frühling Musikfestival
Main event link here
Polina Shepherd is one of the featured singers in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas and O Jerusalem is a version of this programme tailored for this festival, a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Expelled from their homes and scattered across the earth, exiled peoples have often found strength and resilience in their music. This new programme… celebrates the interwoven connections of the Sephardic, Ashkenazy, Palestinian and African traditions.”
Venue: Neue Aula der Universität
For more information go here.

TICKETS HERE

Zur Faszination der Alten Musik vor der Barockzeit gehört die Tatsache, dass hohe Kunst und tägliche Praxis, Konzert und Ritual oft ganz nah beieinanderliegen. Apollo’s Fire, das sensationelle Ensemble aus Cleveland, Ohio, und seine Leiterin Jeannette Sorrell bringen die besten Vokalist*innen und Instrumentalsolist*innen aus dem Grenzbereich zwischen westlicher und orientalischer Musik zusammen. Selten hat der Brückenschlag zwischen den Kulturen derart natürlich und vital geklungen. Das aktuelle Programm der Amerikaner*innen nimmt in Jerusalem, der Stadt der drei Religionen, seinen Ausgang. Musiken aus der Levante, aus Nordafrika, Spanien und Italien lassen den inspirierenden Austausch der jüdischen Diaspora mit den Kulturen ihrer Zufluchtsländer erfahrbar werden. Die Klangreise führt von jüdischen Hochzeitstänzen über Claudio Monteverdi bis zu arabischen Taksim-Improvisationen.
Das Konzert ist Teil des Programmschwerpunkts „Trans- und Interkulturelles“.
Konzert mit Pause
Dauer ca. 1,5 Stunden

Related Images:

Apollo's Fire International tour - London
2023-04-17 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JH
Final concert of Apollo’s Fire International tour
Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas

BOOK HERE
Polina Shepherd is one of the featured singers in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas – a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Expelled from their homes and scattered across the earth, exiled peoples have often found strength and resilience in their music. This new programme… celebrates the interwoven connections of the Sephardic, Ashkenazy, Palestinian and African traditions.”
For more information and tickets, go here
Related Images:

Apollo’s Fire on tour – Fulda, Germany
2023-04-22
Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas

Event link
Polina Shepherd is one of the featured singers in Exile: Music of the Jewish & African Diasporas – a programme by the Grammy winning International Baroque Orchestra Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Expelled from their homes and scattered across the earth, exiled peoples have often found strength and resilience in their music. This new programme… celebrates the interwoven connections of the Sephardic, Ashkenazy, Palestinian and African traditions.”
For more information and tickets on Apollo’s Fire website, go here

Musik der jüdischen und afrikanischen Diasporas
Apollo’s Fire – The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra
Jeannette Sorrell, Leitung, Cembalo und Programmgestaltung
TICKETS ERHALTEN SIE HIER.
Polina Skovoroda Shepherd, Sopran
Jacob Perry, Tenor
Haitham Haidar, Tenor
Jeffrey Strauss, Bariton
Daphna Mor, Recorder, Ney, Vocals
Ihrer Heimat entrissen und auf der ganzen Welt verstreut, fanden Juden und Afrikaner Kraft und Inspiration in der Musik und bewahrten mit dieser sowohl ihre kulturelle Identität als auch ihre Seele als Volk. In dieser musikalischen Reise durch die jüdischen und afrikanischen Diasporas erkundet Apollo’s Fire die bemerkenswerte Widerstandsfähigkeit dieser geknechteten Menschen zwischen 1600 und 1850. Musik des jüdischen Barockkomponisten Salamone Rosse und des jüdisch inspirierten Komponisten Benedetto Marcello ist mit den Rhythmen des Lebens im Ghetto verwoben: Lieder, Tänze und Gebete ashkenazischer, sephardischer und nordafrikanischer Traditionen.
22 MusikerInnen – einschließlich jüdischer, palästinensischer und afrikanisch-amerikanischer KünstlerInnen – erheben ihre Stimmen für Zugehörigkeit und Festlichkeit.
Abonnement: Konzert-Abo
Veranstaltungsdauer: N. N.

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Brighton Fringe, Russian choirs and Klezmer Duo concert.
2023-05-19 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
Part of Brighton Fringe Festival

Presented by Fail Better Productions: Khorovod: Music from the Steppes and the Shtetl
Venue: Spiegeltent (Old Steine, Brighton) 19 of May 4.00 – 5.00
Follow the Sun from East to West in a circle of traditional music from Eastern Europe.
The khorovod is an East Slavic and pagan ritual: over a 1000 years ago communities sang and danced in a circle, the circle symbolising the Sun. We invite you into our khorovod.
Listen to peasant songs about love, potatoes and Siberian village life. Weep at a Cossack lament for lost youth. Let your heart be lifted by raucous folk songs from the steppes. Add flavours from a Tatar Bazaar, hear the echoes of distant voices shouting “Mazl tov!” at a Jewish wedding in Bessarabia. Join the community singing soulful nigunim – Hassidic songs without words… add a sprinkle of spices from Turkey and the Mediterranean. Finally wash it all down with an Odessa fisherman’s melody.
This heartfelt and joyous programme is presented by the Brighton & Hove and London Russian choirs with an internationally renowned Klezmer duo Merlin Shepherd (clarinets) and Polina Shepherd (voice, piano).
***The Brighton & Hove and the London Russian choirs are independent community choirs bringing together music lovers of all backgrounds. They promote culture, peace, unity and build bridges through singing.
Related Images:

The Green Week Russian Choir concert in Brighton
2023-06-10 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | BHASVIC, 205 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 6EG, United Kingdom
The Brighton & Hove and London Russian Choirs
with support from the Sussex Russian Centre Kalinka
Book here
In early June, Slavic folks celebrate the Green Week – a seasonal festival with rituals to boost nature’s fertility. It is also called the Rusalka (Mermaid) Week as at this time mermaids were believed to leave the water, swing on branches of birch trees and dance in circles. Our festive concert celebrates this ancient tradition: we will sing pagan Rusalka songs, village dance songs, Russian and Ukrainian folk songs about nature. We will also link to Russian urban life, with Orthodox chants and Art Songs performed by the choir and our soloists.
Tea and coffee with traditional home cooked snacks will be available thanks to the Sussex Russian Centre Kalinka.
Come and welcome the summer with us!
The Brighton & Hove and London Russian Choirs bring together music lovers of all backgrounds. We are not affiliated with any political, ideological or religious body. We promote culture, music, peace, unity and building bridges through singing.

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Village Harmony Teen Camp. New England, USA
2023-06-30 - 2023-07-16
A teen singing camp in Massachusetts (June 30-July 6) followed by a 11-day concert tour around New England organised by Village Harmony.

More info and booking here

Village Harmony is an un-auditioned, inclusive group whose only demands of would-be members is that they be committed to making good music. This has resulted in a choir whose sound remains dynamic, unpredictable, and absolutely exciting year after year. With their easy command of phenomenally varied singing styles and infectiously joyous stage presence, Village Harmony ensembles always knock people’s socks off.

VH teen traveling camp is always led by a team of music leaders, including native teachers who bring first hand expertise in particular traditions.

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Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Hadley, MA
2023-07-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 N Maple St, Hadley, 01035, United States
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.
Friday, July 7, 7:00pm: Hadley, MA – Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 North Maple St

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France. Admission is by donation at the door. For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations. VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa. Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - West Cummington, MA
2023-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

West Cummington, MA – Congregational Church, 27 West Main St

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France. Admission is by donation at the door. For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations. VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa. Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Newton, MA
2023-07-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

Newton, MA – Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France. Admission is by donation at the door. For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations. VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa. Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Yarmouth, ME
2023-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

7:00pm
Yarmouth, ME – Unitarian Church, 97 Main St

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France. Admission is by donation at the door. For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations. VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa. Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Eaton, NH
2023-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

7:00pm

Eaton, NH – Little White Church, 2371 Eaton Rd

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France. Admission is by donation at the door. For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations. VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa. Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Calais, VT
2023-07-12 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

7:00pm

Calais, VT – Maple Corner Community Center, 84 W County Rd
The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France.
Admission is by donation at the door.
For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations.
VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa.
Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Haverhill-NH
2023-07-13 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

7:00pm

Haverhill, NH – Alumni Hall, 75 Court St
The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France.
Admission is by donation at the door.
For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations.
VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa.
Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Norwich, VT
2023-07-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

7:00pm

Friday, July 14, 7:00pm: Norwich, VT – Congregational Church, 15 Church St
The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France.
Admission is by donation at the door.
For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations.
VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa.
Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.

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Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble – South Hero, VT
2023-07-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

South Hero, VT – Congregational Church, 24 South S

The group is led by Polina Shepherd from the UK, Sinead O’Mahoney, and Carl Linich. The 24 brilliant teen singers come from nine states plus Canada and France.
Admission is by donation at the door.
For further information visit www.villageharmony.org or email villageharmony@gmail.com.
Village Harmony, a non-profit umbrella organization based in Vermont, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than thirty years they have organized teen ensembles each summer in New England and ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers in numerous foreign countries. Each Village Harmony ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders. All share common traits: a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a remarkable variety of vocal styles and timbres appropriate to the ethnic and traditional music; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience as they share in a joyful celebration of music.
Polina Shepherd was born in Siberia and grew up in a home where songs were regularly sung at a family table. She is now and internationally-renowned singer with a sound deeply rooted in eastern European Jewish and Russian folk. Her choir work is united by the umbrella of The Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience and covers many aspects of vocal music from highly arranged and conducted pieces to on-spot choral improvisations.
VH alumna Sinead O’Mahoney has been singing and traveling with Village Harmony for 15 years. She has been praised for her sure command of rhythm and efficient teaching style, and will lead American shape-note songs as well as songs from the Balkans and South Africa.
Carl Linich has been studying, singing, and teaching traditional polyphonic folk and liturgical music from Caucasus Georgia since 1990, and has been sharing it with Village Harmony for over two decades. He has directed the Supruli Choir in New York City, the Bard College Georgian Choir, and his own family trio with his two sons.
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Caravan Orchestra and Choir - Haifa
2023-07-23 - 2023-07-30
23 July – 16 August
Haifa, Israel and several cities in Germany
Caravan Orchestra and Choir project
Caravan Orchestra and Choir is an exchange project between Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Department of Music of אוניברסיטת חיפה – University of Haifa, in cooperation with the International Office University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. It explores connections between Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) and Arab music and study forms, context and performance philosophy with similar approach to improvisation, ornamentation, modality… The project will rehearse and perform in Haifa, Israel, in the first week and then move to Germany for rehearsals and concerts.
Young musicians from Israel and Germany apply for a 3 week residency in Haifa and Weimar, with an intensive rehearsal period and concerts in both countries, as well as fun social activities, workshops and excursions.

Together with the artistic directors, participants explore both East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. It is the synthesis of those cultures that makes the sound of the Caravan Orchestra so unique.
Join us this year!
Full information here: https://caravanorchestra.eu/

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Caravan Orchestra and Choir in Germany
2023-07-30 - 2023-08-08
23 July – 12 August
Haifa, Israel and several cities in Germany
Caravan Orchestra and Choir project
Caravan Orchestra and Choir is an exchange project between Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Department of Music of אוניברסיטת חיפה – University of Haifa, in cooperation with the International Office University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. It explores connections between Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) and Arab music and study forms, context and performance philosophy with similar approach to improvisation, ornamentation, modality… The project will rehearse and perform in Haifa, Israel, in the first week and then move to Germany for rehearsals and concerts.
Young musicians from Israel and Germany apply for a 3 week residency in Haifa and Weimar, with an intensive rehearsal period and concerts in both countries, as well as fun social activities, workshops and excursions.

Together with the artistic directors, participants explore both East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. It is the synthesis of those cultures that makes the sound of the Caravan Orchestra so unique.

Full information here: https://caravanorchestra.eu

Concerts in Germany:

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 Germany, Erfurt, Thuringian State Parliament, evening, time to be announced
Thursday, August 10th, Germany, Eisenach, Wandelhalle, time to be announced
Friday. August 11th, Leipzig, Marktplatz, Leipziger Markt Musik, 5:00 PM, free admission
Saturday, August 12th, Germany, Weimar, Herderplatz, double bill with KaraYam, evening, time to be announced

This year’s Caravan Orchestra and Choir Music Directors:

Polina Shepherd – Russia/UK
Çiğdem Aslan – Turkey/UK
Asineth Fotini Kokkala – Greece/Turkey
Christian Dawid – Germany

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Caravan Orchestra & Choir with International Leaders concert
2023-07-30 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Department of Music of the University of Haifa, Israel
Caravan Orchestra & Choir with International Leaders concert in Haifa. Venue: Department of Music, School of Arts, University of Haifa
6 PM. Free admission.
This concert will present some of this year’s Caravan Orchestra and Choir repertoire as well as solo performances by the music directors. Part of Yiddish Summer Weimar

Polina Shepherd – Russia/UK
Çiğdem Aslan – Turkey/UK
Asineth Fotini Kokkala – Greece/Turkey
Christian Dawid – Germany

Caravan Orchestra and Choir is an exchange project between Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Department of Music of אוניברסיטת חיפה – University of Haifa, in cooperation with the International Office University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. It explores connections between Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) and Arab music and study forms, context and performance philosophy with similar approach to improvisation, ornamentation, modality… The project will rehearse and perform in Haifa, Israel, in the first week and then move to Germany for rehearsals and concerts.
Young musicians from Israel and Germany apply for a 3 week residency in Haifa and Weimar, with an intensive rehearsal period and concerts in both countries, as well as fun social activities, workshops and excursions.
Together with the artistic directors, participants explore both East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. It is the synthesis of those cultures that makes the sound of the Caravan Orchestra so unique.

Full information about the project here: https://caravanorchestra.eu

Related Images:

Caravan Orchestra & Choir concert in Erfurt, Germany
2023-08-09 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Concerts in Germany:

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 Germany, Erfurt, Thuringian State Parliament, evening, time to be announced
Thursday, August 10th, Germany, Eisenach, Wandelhalle, time to be announced
Friday. August 11th, Leipzig, Marktplatz, Leipziger Markt Musik, 5:00 PM, free admission
Saturday, August 12th, Germany, Weimar, Herderplatz, double bill with KaraYam, evening, time to be announced

Caravan Orchestra and Choir is an exchange project between Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Department of Music of אוניברסיטת חיפה – University of Haifa, in cooperation with the International Office University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. It explores connections between Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) and Arab music and study forms, context and performance philosophy with similar approach to improvisation, ornamentation, modality… The project will rehearse and perform in Haifa, Israel, in the first week and then move to Germany for rehearsals and concerts.
Young musicians from Israel and Germany apply for a 3 week residency in Haifa and Weimar, with an intensive rehearsal period and concerts in both countries, as well as fun social activities, workshops and excursions.

Together with the artistic directors, participants explore both East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. It is the synthesis of those cultures that makes the sound of the Caravan Orchestra so unique.

Full information here: https://caravanorchestra.eu

This year’s Caravan Orchestra and Choir Music Directors:

Polina Shepherd – Russia/UK
Çiğdem Aslan – Turkey/UK
Asineth Fotini Kokkala – Greece/Turkey
Christian Dawid – Germany

Related Images:

Caravan Orchestra & Choir concert in Eisenach, Germany
2023-08-10 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 Germany, Erfurt, Thuringian State Parliament, evening, time to be announced
Thursday, August 10th, Germany, Eisenach, Wandelhalle, time to be announced
Friday. August 11th, Leipzig, Marktplatz, Leipziger Markt Musik, 5:00 PM, free admission
Saturday, August 12th, Germany, Weimar, Herderplatz, double bill with KaraYam, evening, time to be announced

Caravan Orchestra and Choir is an exchange project between Yiddish Summer Weimar and the Department of Music of אוניברסיטת חיפה – University of Haifa, in cooperation with the International Office University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. It explores connections between Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) and Arab music and study forms, context and performance philosophy with similar approach to improvisation, ornamentation, modality… The project will rehearse and perform in Haifa, Israel, in the first week and then move to Germany for rehearsals and concerts.
Young musicians from Israel and Germany apply for a 3 week residency in Haifa and Weimar, with an intensive rehearsal period and concerts in both countries, as well as fun social activities, workshops and excursions.

Together with the artistic directors, participants explore both East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. It is the synthesis of those cultures that makes the sound of the Caravan Orchestra so unique.

Full information here: https://caravanorchestra.eu

This year’s Caravan Orchestra and Choir Music Directors:

Polina Shepherd – Russia/UK
Çiğdem Aslan – Turkey/UK
Asineth Fotini Kokkala – Greece/Turkey
Christian Dawid – Germany

Related Images:

Caravan Orchestra & Choir concert in Leipzig, Germany
2023-08-11 20:00 - 22:00 UTC

Caravan Orchestra & Choir concert in Weimar, Germany
2023-08-12 20:00 - 22:00 UTC

KlezKanada - Quebec.
2023-08-23 - 2023-08-29
KlezKanada Website here

This year, we’ll be offering a focus on filmmaking! Our program will include filmmaking workshops, film scoring workshops, a concert-screening from Merlin and Polina Shepherd’s Sound and Light Cinematic Duo, and more.

As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe, our 2023 in-person Summer Retreat will again include COVID-19 safety protocols.

We are committed to continuing our digital programming. Over the last three years, we have experienced the power of digital spaces to offer world-class and affordable educational programs, increase accessibility, and bring people together across distances. Look for announcements about our 2023 digital programs coming soon!

Full programme here

More here.

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Lewes (UK) Wonder Sessions: Polina Shepherd / Pam and De Femmes
2023-10-07 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | Fitzroy House, 10 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2AD, United Kingdom
Songs from around the Wondersphere by Lewes Live Literature Productions

Tickets: £10.00 advance / £12.00 door – BOOK HERE
LLL began as a promoter of art and literature events, running spring and autumn seasons and one-off events, and steadily acquiring a reputation for inventive, eclectic programming.
An evening of music from around the world. Internationally renowned singer & cultural activist Polina Shepherd (pictured) was originally from Siberia and now lives in Brighton. Her evocative singing, based on traditional forms, cuts a sound deeply rooted in east European Jewish and Slavic folk songs. Pam and De Femmes are an extraordinary band well-known in Lewes for their unique and eclectic brand of multilingual musical exuberance, performing songs from a range of musical traditions sung in over 30 languages.

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The Big and The Beautiful collaborative show in Brighton, UK
2023-10-20 19:00 - 23:30 UTC | The Old MArket, 11A Upper Market St, Brighton and Hove, BN3 1AS, United Kingdom
KermesZ à l’Est / The Buffo’s Wake Orchestra / Super Dupes / Swing Ninjas / Brassic Parp / Ceilidh Boom

Polina and Merlin Shepherd and Slavic Voices choir will be part of one of the acts in this big show:

THE BUFFO’S WAKE ORCHESTRA
The Buffo’s Wake Orchestra return to the Old Market for their yearly foray into the world of self-indulgent extravagance. Their 6-piece Klezmer-punk Carnival Chaos will be supplemented with the very best musicians that Brighton and London have to offer – transforming into a 22-piece cacophonous chamber orchestra, they will take to the stage, forcing you to waltz, tango, mosh and kolo your way through a vast array of influences from Eastern European, Balkan and Russian folk, to punk rock and cabaret, whilst they tell their tall tales of debauchery and deformity. Musical eccentrics, drawing from diverse backgrounds ranging from Drum n’ Bass DJs to classically trained string players, punks to funk players and poets to showmen, they’re guaranteed to have a few surprises up their collective sleeves. In their time together, they have toured all over the world, finding an inspired, confused, sweaty, and often very drunk reception everywhere they go. Supplemented with a huge horn section, sublime strings, cimbalom, bouzouki, percussion and a chamber choir, this will be an absolutely huge show; their biggest stage show to date. Klezmer Carnival Punks – with influences from Abba to Zappa, Buffo’s Wake are guaranteed to leave you dancing like a man possessed!

READ more about the whole show
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