Polina Shepherd

NEW CHOIR opening in Brighton - Slavic Voices
2023-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Brighton Unitarian Church
NEW CHOIR! Opening in September in London and Brighton & Hove

Slavic Voices is open to singers of all backgrounds.
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. No knowledge of the languages is required.

Join us on the journey to explore and share this culturally unique and musically diverse repertoire with the wide world. We will perform at festivals and choral events, present our own concerts and collaborations with choirs and instrumentalists several times a year.
Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist.

BRIGHTON & HOVE rehearsal term: 10 weekly sessions from 19 September till 21 November – Tuesdays, 6-8pm in central Brighton.
Fees: Taster session for people who haven’t sung in Polina’s choirs is free. Full term fee including online service charge £75 here.
Cash and cheque payments of £70 for the term are accepted as well as online payments in some cases. Please get in touch to book your space.
More information and joining here.
Related Images:

NEW CHOIR opening in London - Slavic Voices
2023-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 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:

Caravan Orchestra & Choir concert in Weimar, Germany
2023-08-12 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 Eisenach, Germany
2023-08-10 20:00 - 22:00 UTC

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 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 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 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:

Village Harmony Teen World Music Ensemble - Montpelier, VT
2023-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Village Harmony, the remarkable teen world music ensemble, presents its annual summer concert program.

Sunday, July 16, 3:00pm: Montpelier, VT – Unitarian Church, 130 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 – 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:

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 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.

Related Images:

Village Harmony Adult New England Camp - USA, MA
2023-06-19 - 2023-06-25
EVENT PAGE on Village Harmony website

Come join us for seven days of eclectic musical stimulation in a perfectly-idyllic western Massachusetts summer setting. Venue: Stump Sprouts Retreat Center – Hawley, MA
The first of this summer’s two limited-enrolment New England adult camps will be led by a team of three wonderful teachers: Mollie Stone from Chicago, Frank Watkins from Wisconsin, and—joining our in person teaching team for the first time—Yiddish folk singer Polina Shepherd from the UK.
Authentic African American gospel and spirituals, South African dance-songs, and diverse music from eastern Europe and the Yiddish diaspora will head off our repertoire for the week.
The framework of the week-long residency will be communal, with everyone taking turns to help prepare meals and clean under the supervision of a head cook. Our menu will be primarily vegetarian and responsive to the tastes, needs and culinary talents of our camp participants. Evening events will likely include a Georgian-style supra (feast) and a cabaret night.
Village Harmony adult weeks tend to be relaxed and non-competitive, even as we emphasise authenticity and absorbing the spirit of each musical tradition. Written music may distributed for some songs, while other genres might best be taught by ear. Virtually everything will be taught by example.
The program will conclude with a simple, low-key concert to show off what we’ve accomplished during the week.

NOTE: Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will not be required to attend our 2023 camps. Our programs’ covid-19 protocol will depend on the state of the pandemic.

Leaders: Mollie Stone, Polina Shepherd, Frank Watkins

Location: Stump Sprouts Retreat Center – Hawley, MA

Price: $900 ($700 commuters)
Enrolment will be limited to 24 housed on site, plus a handful of commuters. Stump Sprouts offers simple but very comfortable rooms each with two or three beds and shared bathrooms.

Related Images:

Russian and Yiddish song workshop - SOAS, London.
2023-06-11 10:30 - 17:30 UTC | SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG, United Kingdom
Part of SOAS summer schools. 10.30am – 5.30pm. A day of Russian and Yiddish singing workshop. Half a day for each, bookable as the whole day or pick your half.
BOOK HERE
Morning session (10am – 1pm) Yiddish Songs – £30
Afternoon session (2.30 – 5.30pm) Russian Songs – £30
Full day pass (10am – 5.30pm) £50
Yiddish Songs (10.30am – 1.30pm)
Yiddish, the 1000-year-old language of the Jews of Eastern Europe, is flourishing, as people young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish, explore its rich cultural heritage. Some of the songs come from the Yiddish theatre and cinema or describe the diverse lives of Jewish people across Eastern and Central Europe and all the countries they have emigrated to – their history, hopes, memories, politics, celebrations and resistance to oppression. Others are are spiritual and liturgical, particularly the nign – a melody that is believed to change consciousness. Join us in singing traditional and new Yiddish songs while also paying attention to the specific elements (ornamentation, phrasing, modes) of this singing style.
Russian Songs (2.30 – 5.30pm)
Russian folk songs embrace the whole of the landscape and all of Mother Earth. Lyrical songs call to mind the vastness of Russian topography stretching toward a boundless horizon. In Russian folklore, every snowflake and every blade of grass embodies the spirits of nature – and this connection is felt within each folk song for ritual pagan holidays, exorcism and sibylline song, circle dance, laments, wedding and lyrical songs… Come and experience the Russian landscape through song!
Music lovers of all backgrounds and singing levels are invited, no experience necessary. Learning by ear.
With Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd
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.

Related Images:

Yiddish song workshop. Free. Open to all. Brighton
2023-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | University of Sussex Meeting House, University of Sussex, Falmer, East Sussex, BN1 9QF, United Kingdom
Free for all. REGISTER HERE
Come fill the room in a special evening of Yiddish folksinging guided by an internationally acclaimed cultural activist, performer and educator.
This event is open to anyone and everyone free of charge. It doesn’t matter whether you love Yiddish or have never heard of it before! Expect a wonderful night of communal singing and insight into the unique sounds of Yiddish Folklore.
A bit of background context: Yiddish, the 1000-year-old language of the Jews of Eastern Europe, is flourishing, as people young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish, explore its rich cultural heritage. Yiddish songs are hugely varied. Some are spiritual, some political. Others come from theatre and cinema, or describe the diverse lives of Jewish people across Eastern and Central Europe and all the countries they have emigrated to – their history, hopes, memories, politics, celebrations and resistance to oppression. And some are just fun!

Polina Shepherd is a composer, performer, educator and cultural activist with 30 years of professional experience – originally from Siberia, now living in Brighton. Having been part of the international Yiddish and Klezmer music scene for over 30 years, she works with audiences of different backgrounds and promotes building bridges, understanding and unity through singing. Growing up in Tatarstan also placed her close to Islamic ornamentation and timbre, which can be heard in her unique vocal style.

Related Images:

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:

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.

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 - 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 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:
