Polina Shepherd

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.

Related Images:

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.
Related Images:

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/

Related Images:

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

Related Images:

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.

Related Images:

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.

Related Images:

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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Merlin and Polina Shepherd concert, Brighton Unitarian. UK
2023-11-17 12:30 - 13:15 UTC | Brighton Unitarian Church
Part of BUC Friday Lunchtime Concert series.

Merlin & Polina Shepherd are Internationally acclaimed performers in the Klezmer and Yiddish world. Drawing from their Jewish and Slavic roots, they weave together a unique music that moves the listener physically, emotionally and spiritually.

BUC Friday lunchtime concerts are diverse – mostly classical but also contemporary, jazz and folk, with many showing off our beautiful Steinway piano. The performers are a mixture of top local talent and touring musicians from across the globe. These affordable concerts are the perfect way to spend your Friday lunchtimes, enjoying a rich variety of music in our beautiful Grade II listed church, located right in the cultural heart of the city. Enjoy a hot drink before the concert starts, browse our craft stall selling home-made gifts and cards to raise funds for the church, and get to know your fellow concert-goers.
Tea/coffee served from 12 noon in the church hall on a donate as you feel basis.
Wheelchair accessible venue.
£5 suggested donation – cash or cardTea, coffee & biscuits available from 12 noon

Related Images:

Yiddish Khanike Celebration online
2023-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Online
Register HERE (free)
Come join our online Yiddish Khanike celebration! Experience the warmth of the season with Khanike greetings from our teachers and students around the globe. Sing along to both new and popular Khanike lider, delight in entertaining skits and readings with Judy Bressler, Zisl and Dinele Slepovitch, Polina Shepherd, Deborah Strauss and Jeff Warschauer, Psoy Korolenko, Cindy Paley, Yasmin Garfunkel, Tania Grinberg, Tamara Micner, Annie Cohen, Motl Didner, Miri Koral, Sheva Zucker, Gustavo Emos, Svetlana Kundish, Patrick Farrell, Adrianne Greenbaum, Daniel Galay, and surprise guests. Featured authors will be Simen Frug, Avrom Reisen, Morris Rosenfeld, A. Litvak, I. B. Singer, Aliza Greenblatt, A. N. Stenzel, and Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman.
All registrants are entered in a raffle to win complimentary registration for our Yiddish classes this spring.
English translations of the readings and songs will be provided.

This event is free, but we welcome an $18 suggested donation that will go to strengthening our world-renowned Yiddish program.

Related Images:

Winter Warmer: Community Cohesion Concert, Brighton UK
2024-01-27 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
New Year starts with a celebration of diverse communities and cultures in the Brighton and Hove area, showcasing musicians and artists with heritages from around the World.

Jubilee Library, Saturday 27th January 12.00 – 4.00
Acts so far confirmed below, more to follow.
Winter Warmer: Community Cohesion Concert

A musical celebration of diverse communities and cultures in the Brighton and Hove area, showcasing musicians and artists with heritages from around the World. Merlin and Polina Shepherd Duo take part along with Rabeea Eid (Palestinian writer), Bashir Al Gamar (Sudanese musician), a Syrian-Ukrainian fusion band and more. Organised by Best Foot Music, Intercultural music & Art organisation. 12.00 – 4pm at the Jubilee Library. Read more here.

Related Images:

London Schubertiade.
2024-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London, N6 5HG, United Kingdom
The members of Concert Party invite you to their annual Schubertiade in the beautiful, intimate setting of Lauderdale House. Gather round the piano with us to celebrate the life and music of Franz Schubert (31st January 1797—19 November 1828).
As in Schubert’s own day, Concert Party’s singers and instrumentalists will perform a varied programme of lieder, chamber music, and piano works interspersed with poetry and readings. It will be an evening filled with song and instrumental music including memorable works such as The Shepherd on the Rock for soprano, clarinet and piano and the Fantasy in F minor for piano duet.
Polina Shepherd will be conducting her arrangement of “Der Leiermann” for SATB (translated into Yiddish as “Der Katerinchik”) at the event. (By the way, Polina will be giving an online workshop on Katerinchik for another event the following day, see here.

Performers to include:
Natalee Jeremic – violin
Mark Lacey – clarinet
Elisabeth Talbot – soprano
Seán Purtell – bass
The Rubenstein Hartung Piano Duo (Robin Rubenstein and Victoria Hartung – piano)

Event website
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A winter journey with Schubert. Online
2024-02-04 | Online
Winter in Yiddishland. Full information and booking here.
This Workers Circle Our program will include Yiddish classes, lectures, music workshops and a concert featuring Klezmer stars from around the world. My workshop will be A winter journey with Schubert, where you are invited to sing a Yiddish adaptation of ‘Der Leiermann’ in Yiddish.

Polina Shepherd’s 75 minute workshop will be part of this.
A winter journey with Schubert

Come sing a Yiddish adaptation of ‘Der Leiermann’ (the Organ-grinder or Hurdy-gurdy Man), the final song in the Franz Schubert’s Winterreise song cycle. Moyshe-Leyb Halpern translated it into Yiddish in the early 1900s, and Der Leiermann became Der Katerinchik. When you hear and sing the Yiddish version, you will marvel how Schubert’s simple melody with Halpern’s translation sounds as if it was always meant to be sung by displaced Eastern European Jews. Hear the sadness of the poor musician, the longing for Home, the eternal winter.

See the full programme of the day and book here.
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An afternoon with a Macedonian Duo and Slavic Voices choir. Workshop and Concert. Brighton, UK
2024-02-10 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | BHASVIC, 205 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 6EG, United Kingdom
BALKAN DUO MEETS SLAVIC VOICES
An afternoon with a Macedonian Duo and Slavic Voices choir. Workshop and Concert
Book workshop and concert separately or together
Tea and cake available between the workshop and concert.
Workshop, 1-2.30pm – Discover Macedonia through Song
Join us for a rare opportunity to experience traditional Macedonian singing with an internationally acclaimed musician, teacher, singer and group leader Filip Arilon with support from Stojan Stojanov. Learn Macedonian songs and get into the Balkan sound, rhythm, singing style… and take some songs home with you! Open to all.
Concert – Double Bill, 3-5pm: Filip & Stojan Duo (Macedonia) and Slavic Voices (London & Brighton)
Filip sings and plays tambura, gaida, tapan, kaval,.
Stojan plays clarinet, zurna, saxophone, kaval.
Filip & Stojan Duo come from Veles in the new North Macedonia. Filip has been enthusiastically collecting music and dance and from the various regions of Macedonia since his student years at the Music Academy in Stip. His broad knowledge of Macedonian folklore and dedication to conveying the material and styles of this music is inspirational.
Stojan comes from a family of musicians. He is a virtuoso Balkan clarinet and saxophone player. Filip and Stojan perform and teach music, song and dance all over Europe and as far as China and Japan and are a pure delight to witness.
Slavic Voices is a new choir in London and Brighton & Hove. It presents music of all styles from the Slavic world: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and others, refined XVIII-XIX-centuries Art song and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea. The repertoire is sung mainly in Russian but also in Ukrainian, Belorussian, occasional Bulgarian, Polish, Czech, and adding a guest visit by a song in Yiddish or Georgian. Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist. The choir is a non-auditioned, open to all community group open to singers from of backgrounds and walks of life.

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Merlin and Polina Shepherd Duo concert in Brighton
2024-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | St. Luke’s Church, Queens Park Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9ZB, United Kingdom
Merlin and Polina Shepherd Duo perform a concert for the St. Luke’s Music and Wine series.
Inspired by Shostakovich and Ravel, who incorporated folklore into their compositions, Polina & Merlin Shepherd invite you on a musical voyage. Playing original compositions of Klezmer, and settings of Yiddish, Tartar, Ukrainian and Russian poems, they unearth the eternal wisdom of the ancient tales, songs and melodies. Together, we will explore the rich power of music, connecting with the mystical and the profound, and finding a path to a brighter, more beautiful now through the enduring spirit of folklore.
Music & Wine at St. Luke’s is a concert series taking place at St. Luke’s Church by the Pepperpot on Queen’s Park Road, Brighton. Concerts take place fortnightly on Friday evenings at 7.30pm and have wide-ranging programmes: from early to contemporary music, including jazz and other genres, well-known and lesser-known works, all performed by professional musicians and emerging new artists.
Performers give spoken introductions, creating an accessible and friendly atmosphere where the audience has a chance to mingle over a glass of wine at the interval.
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Slavic Voices and Maspindzeli choirs in London Welcome Spring Concert
2024-02-25 15:30 - 17:30 UTC | St Mary’s Primrose Hill, Elsworthy Road, London, NW3 3DJ, United Kingdom
BOOK HERE
Songs from thousands of miles away welcome you into Spring and are brought to your doorstep by these two British choirs. Experience an amazing array of repertoire from cultures that meet at the Black Sea and spread like rays of the year’s first sunshine.
Maspindzeli is a choir devoted to singing songs from the ancient polyphonic tradition of Georgia. The choir came about in 1999 in response to the growing interest in Georgian singing. Maspindzeli has studied with visiting Georgian teachers and it makes a specific point of learning authentic styles of singing from various regions of Georgia. “Maspindzeli” means “host” in Georgian and the choir has sung for the London Georgian community on a number of occasions. It h six times to Georgia as part of the biennial Polyphonic Symposium at the Tbilisi Conservatory of Music. It is led by Bernard Burns.
Slavic Voices (London and Brighton) present music of all styles from the Slavic world: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and others, refined XVIII-XIX-century Art songs and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea. The repertoire is sung mainly in Russian but also in Macedonian, Ukrainian, occasionally in Bulgarian, Polish and Czech.
The choir was formed in Autumn 2023 under the direction of an international performer and cultural activist Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd. Slavic Voices perform at festivals and choral events and present our own concerts and collaborations with choirs, bands and instrumental ensembles.
Book here
£15 / £12 concessions
A bar with drinks and snacks will be available in the break.
Please bear in mind church capacity is limited and we may not have any seats left on the day. Book in advance!
Follow and contact Maspindzeli at www.maspindzeli.org.uk and https://facebook.com/Maspindzeli
Follow and contact Slavic Voices at www.polinashepherd.co.uk/choirs/slavic-voices and www.instagram.com/slavicvoices

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My Goat is on the Roof. Concert in Leipzig
2024-04-05 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Budde-Hause, Lützowstraße 19, Leipzig, 04157, Germany
More information and booking HERE.

My Goat Is On the Roof is a multi-cultural and multi-faceted weave of songs about beauty in the heart surrounded by madness in the world. It is about inner power, deep humanity and spirituality. It’s a chain of songs linked together through improvised threads of melody and bound by an emotional thread from beginning to end. Combining mostly originals with some dark and expressive folklore mainly in Yiddish, this programme is for deep listening.

Polina Shepherd is a composer, performer, educator and cultural activist originally from Siberia, now living in Brighton UK. She grew up with singing at family gatherings where she accompanied her whole Cossack / Jewish family from the age of 7. Since moving to the UK in 2003 has been composing, recording for film and theatre, performing and touring with various projects internationally.
“My Goat Is On the Roof” ist ein multikulturelles und facettenreiches Geflecht von Liedern über die Schönheit des Herzens inmitten des Wahnsinns in der Welt. Es geht um innere Kraft, tiefe Menschlichkeit und Spiritualität. Es ist eine Kette von Liedern, die durch improvisierte Melodien miteinander verbunden sind und durch die sich von Anfang bis Ende ein emotionaler Faden zieht.
Das vorwiegend in jiddischer Sprache gesungene Programm kombiniert hauptsächlich Eigenkompositionen von Polina Sherherd mit ausdrucksstarker Folklore und regt zum tiefen und emotionalen Zuhören an.
Polina Shepherd ist eine Komponistin, Performerin, Musikpädagogin und Kulturaktivistin, die ursprünglich aus Sibirien stammt und jetzt in Brighton lebt.
Sie wuchs mit dem Singen bei Familientreffen auf, bei denen sie ihre gesamte kosakisch-jüdische Familie ab dem Alter von 7 Jahren begleitete.
2003 zog sie nach Großbritannien und komponiert seitdem, macht Aufnahmen für Film und Theater, tritt auf und tourt mit verschiedenen internationalen Klezmer-Projekten.
Kooperationsveranstaltung mit Klezmer with friends e. V.
Wir empfehlen Kartenreservierungen unter Telefon 0341 90960037 oder ticket@budde-haus.de
Eintritt:
Normalpreis: 15,00 Euro
Ermäßigter Preis: 10,00 Euro (für Schüler*innen, Azubis, Studierende, Leipzig-Pass-Inhaber*innen, Inhaber*innen eines Schwerbehindertenausweises, Inhaber*innen des Leipziger Ehrenamtspass)
Solidaritätspreis: Freiwilliger Eintritt, der über dem Normalpreis liegt. Vielen Dank!
Bitte beachten: Keine Kartenzahlung möglich.
Einlass: ab 19.00 Uhr (freie Platzwahl), reservierte Karten bitte bis spätestens 15 min vor Veranstaltungsbeginn an der Abendkasse abholen.
Veranstaltungsort: Die Veranstaltung findet im Saal des Budde-Hauses (Erdgeschoss) statt.
Gastronomie: Die Budde-Bar ist geöffnet.
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Invitation to the Dance, London
2024-04-28 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | st James’s Church, Islington, Prebend St, London, N1 8PF, United Kingdom
Vocal and Instrumental Music Inspired by Dance
BOOK HERE

This multifaceted programme of vocal and instrumental music is inspired by dance. It is full of contrasting rhythm, style and colour. The classical set, performed by Natalee Jeremic (violin) and Robin Rubenstein (piano) will feature Bach’s stately dances for solo violin, Piazzolla’s Tangos, Bartok’s Rumanian Dances and Spanish dances by Sarasate.
In the second part, Merlin (clarinets) and Polina Shepherd (piano and voice) will offer a set of Yiddish tangos, Klezmer Bulgars and Turkishes, traditional and original, full of joyous pulse and movement. Join us for the afternoon and let your heart and soul dance.
Natalee Jeremic is a highly versatile violinist who performs extensively as a chamber musician, orchestral musician and soloist in concert venues throughout the UK, Europe and farther afield. Originally from Australia, Natalee performs with a range of professional orchestras in the UK and Europe and has performed and recorded in prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Abbey Road Studios and Westminster Abbey.
As a soloist, she performs in the UK as well as the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Russia, Egypt and Israel. Natalee has been commended for her interpretation of solo Bach and also regularly works with composers to premier new works. She has been involved in a wide spectrum of outreach and education programs in Australia and the UK. Natalee also enjoys her work as an examiner for Trinity College London.
Robin Rubenstein was born in Los Angeles, California. She studied piano at the Royal College of Music with John Lill and Bernard Roberts. Over the years she has pursued a varied career in Britain and the US as solo pianist, chamber musician and Alexander Technique teacher. She has a longstanding duo partnership with fellow pianist Victoria Hartung and performs with clarinetist Mark Lacey and baritone David Durham. For the past ten years Robin has focused on producing music and poetry events under the banner of “Concert Party” with innovative programming aimed at creating an intimate and unstuffy atmosphere between classical music performers and their audience.
Merlin and Polina Shepherd Duo perform music from several linked cultures with improvisation, freedom and spontaneity. The Duo’s playful approach to their root traditions – klezmer, Slavic, East European and southern Mediterranean – is full of knowledge and deference. Merlin & Polina have been performing as a duo since 2004. Apart from their own concerts, they collaborate internationally with performers of various disciplines. They work as a trio Sklamberg & the Shepherds with Lorin Sklamberg, the lead singer of the Grammy award winning The Klezmatics (New York). Recently, they were guest soloists on a US and European tour with Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s leading Baroque Orchestra. They also perform as The Sound & Light Cinematic Duo, playing to the Yuri Morozov Collection of B&W silent Jewish films made in Russia and Ukraine between 1910 and 1930.
Merlin and Polina have performed in London, Paris, Murcia, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Brussels, Toronto, Moscow, Kiev, Warsaw, St Petersburg, Kazan, Vienna , Reykjavik and many more…
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Maspindzeli and Slavic Voices concert. Brighton Fringe.
2024-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | Brighton Spiegeltent, Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EH, United Kingdom
BOOK HERE

Songs from thousands of miles away welcome you into summer and are brought to your doorstep by these two British choirs. Experience an amazing array of repertoire from cultures that meet at the Black Sea and spread like rays of the year’s hot season.Maspindzeli is a choir devoted to singing songs from the ancient polyphonic tradition of Georgia. The choir came about in 1999 in response to the growing interest in Georgian singing. Maspindzeli has studied with visiting Georgian teachers and it makes a specific point of learning authentic styles of singing from various regions of Georgia.“Maspindzeli” means “host” in Georgian and the choir has sung for the London Georgian community on a number of occasions. It has been six times to Georgia as part of the biennial Polyphonic Symposium at the Tbilisi Conservatory of Music. It is led by Bernard Burns.

Slavic Voices (London and Brighton) present music of all styles from the Slavic world: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and others, refined XVIII-XIX-century Art songs and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea. The repertoire is sung mainly in Russian but also in Croatian, Macedonian, Ukrainian, occasionally in Romanian and Bulgarian. The choir was formed in Autumn 2023 under the direction of an international performer and cultural activist Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd.

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Surrey Voices Festival-Contest for Young Musicians. Guilford.
2024-05-25 10:00 - 19:00 UTC | Rydes Hill Preparatory School, Aldershot Road, Guildford, GU2 8BP, United Kingdom
Organised by The Russian School and Choir in Guilford. Read in RUSSIAN below.
This is the first festival of Slavic Music in Surrey. Young pianists and singers up to the age of 18 are invited to participate. “Surrey voices 2024” is a unique opportunity for these musicians to showcase their talents at the first-ever festival of Slavic music for children in Guildford on May 25, 2024, to network, to build experience and, hopefully, to start a new tradition in Surrey.
Auditions begin at 10:00 for pianists and at 15:00 for vocalists, followed by a gala concert at 16:00.
All participants will be nominated and awarded, making this a prestigious and memorable event for aspiring Slavic musicians.
Please read more (in Russian) and apply here: https://ruscg.com/festival/.Participation fee is £27.00. Please apply following the link in this event.

Judges:For pianists: Eralys Fernandez – classical pianist and harpsichordist with more than 14 years of experience as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. She has performed in major concert theatres in Cuba as a soloist and accompanist.
For vocalists: Polina Shepherd – composer, performer, educator and cultural activist originally from Tatarstan (Russia), now living in Brighton. Her current work covers vocal music from large scale choirs to duets and solo. She performs solo, collaborates with ensembles, soloists and choirs internationally.

Вперые в Гилфорде проводится фестваль славянской музыки для детей. Приглашаются юные вокалисты и пианисты 25 мая 2024 года. Прослушивание пианистов начнется в 10:00, вокалистов в 15:00.Гала-концерт начнется в 16:00.В связи с тем, что такое мероприятие проводится впервые, все участники буду номинированы и награждены.Мы очень надеемся, что такое доброе начало станет ежегодным событием для молодых исполнителей славянской музыки.
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