Polina Shepherd

Caravan Orchestra and Choir in Berlin
2025-11-24
Caravan Orchestra and Choir perform in Berlin for ConAct – Koordinierungszentrum Deutsch-Israelischer Jugendaustausch conference.
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Yiddish Song Brushstrokes. Online. 4
2025-11-26 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Yiddish Song Brushstrokes.
A mini course (five sessions) for The Workers Circle.
BOOK HERE

Wednesday 1:30 – 3:00 PM ET: Oct. 29, Nov. 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3

This class invites you to sing Yiddish songs that paint vivid pictures—like the graceful flight of the Golden Peacock, the twinkling stars above, the lush green gardens of our childhood days. Picture the cozy shtetl streets, with their charming, weathered houses, all woven into the fabric of these melodies.
This course is a warm invitation to share in the joy of these timeless tunes. We’ll chat about the different styles and colors of the music, and most importantly, we’ll sing together, letting the spirit of the songs fill the air.
All are welcome to join. We will learn both by ear and with sheet music, discuss style, theory and history of the songs and sing, sing, sing…

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Yuletide concert. Slavic Voices. Lewes, UK
2025-11-29 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Church of St John sub Castr, Abinger Place, Lewes, BN7 2QA, United Kingdom
Join us for a captivating Yuletide concert by Slavic Voices London & Brighton choir presenting rich musical traditions of the Slavic world in a festive programme.
BOOK HERE
Hear Orthodox chants, iconic classics by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Schnittke, refined Art songs and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea. The choir’s repertoire is sung mainly in Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Yiddish or Romanian.
Slavic Voices perform in a way that is rarely encountered in the choral world. There is freedom and spontaneity in their approach to folklore as well as precision and deep focus in their classical repertoire, performed with great attention to cultural context, history and style.
The choir opened in September 2023 and now has around 90 singers coming from many cultural backgrounds. They have performed joint concerts with a Macedonian Folk Duo Filip Arilon and Stojan Stojanov (Macedonia), Maspindzeli Georgian choir (London), Heartwood Chorus in Bristol, Bulgarian dance group Vezanitsa (Brighton) and even collaborated with a UK Klezmer-Punk Carnival Chaos Band Buffo’s Wake. The non-auditioned choir warmly welcomes new singers and aims to share their music through concerts across England, with their most recent performance held at the iconic St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol.
Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist.
Organised by Lewes Live Literature, www.leweslivelit.co.uk. LLL is a promoter of art and literature events, running spring and autumn seasons and one-off events, with a reputation for inventive, eclectic programming.
This Yuletide concert in Lewes promises to be an enchanting evening, celebrating the essence of Slavic culture through music that transcends borders.
“A mesmerising sonic journey through Eastern Europe’s rich musical heritage, the concert was a vibrant blend of heart-warming, uplifting, and classical tunes. Every singer poured their soul into the performance, creating an unforgettable experience. At the heart of it all, Polina’s brilliance and passion drive this exceptional ensemble, turning music into pure joy for both performers and audience alike.” – G.S, audience member in Brighton, March 2025.
“In the current geo-political climate, culture and humanity are more important than ever, and these are qualities close to the heart of Polina Shepherd…I highly recommend the choir to anyone with the slightest interest in music.” – DG, audience member in London, February 2025
“I was totally captivated by the harmonies and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I was particularly taken with Polina’s style of conducting which I felt drew the audience deeper into the music. An absolute pleasure to listen to.” – L.R, audience member in Brighton, March 2025.
“‘A beautiful mix of voices, uplifting harmonies and moving Slavic melancholy.” – audience member in London, February 2025.
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BBC Radio 3. The Russia I Lost.
2025-11-30 19:15 - 20:00 UTC | Online
Listen to the show here. This programme will be also available shortly after broadcast.
Having left Russia perhaps for the last time, Tatyana Movshevich strives to define her Russian-ness for her children, by reaching back through poetry and music and family narrative, to an unwitnessed past. A rediscovery and a rewriting of her cultural story.
Cast
Vasily ….. Joel MacCormack
Klavdiya ….. Rhiannon Neads
Moisei ….. Daniel Rabin
Lydia ….. Dorothea Myer-Bennett
Lieutenant ….. Greg Kolpakchi
Tanya ….. Liza Moody
Singer ….. Polina Shepherd
Director, Jessica Dromgoole
Sound, Pete Ringrose
Producer, Monica Whitlock
Writer, Tatyana Movshevich
Thanks to Justus van de Kamp, Karen Polak, Itzik Gottesman, Donald Rayfield
and Anna Pilkington.
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Yiddish Song Brushstrokes. Online. 5
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online

Christmas concerts with Söngfjelagið. Reykjavik. Iceland.
2025-12-07 | Langholtskirkja, Sólheimum 13-15, Reykjavik, 104, Iceland
For the forth time Polina will be working with a Reykjavik choir Söngfjelagið .
There will be two concerts on the day, 16.00 and 20.00
BOOK HERE

Read more here – in Icelandic.
Söngfjelagið is a mixed choir that was founded in the fall of 2011 and has long been known in the musical scene of the capital of Iceland. Regular items on the choir’s program are the annual Advent concert, where a new work written especially for the choir is always premiered, and the summer celebration in Iðnó on the last day of winter. In between, the choir performs jazz, klezmer, folk songs and whatever the spirit inspires the choir. However, one thing can always be said for sure; the joy of singing is paramount.
The choir was formed due to the group’s interest in performing high-quality choral music under the direction of Hilmar Arnar Agnarsson, who is among the most experienced and leading choir directors in the country and has received international attention and recognition with the Southern Iceland Chamber Choir.
Icelandic info:
Jólatónleikar Söngfjelagsins eru fyrir löngu orðnir fastur liður hjá fjölmörgum á aðventunni. Hilmar Örn Agnarsson er stofnandi og stjórnandi kórsins frá upphafi en tónleikarnir í ár verða sérstakir að því leyti að þeir verða kveðjutónleikar hans með Söngfjelaginu. Að þessu tilefni flytur kórinn úrval af jólalögum Söngfjelagsins, en það eru lög og verk sem samin hafa verið sérstaklega fyrir kórinn af ýmsum tónskáldum og textahöfundum, eitt á ári hverju allt frá stofnun hans haustið 2011. Flutt verða m.a. verk eftir Hjörleif Hjartarson, Daníel Þorsteinsson, Úlfar Inga Haraldsson, Olgu Guðrúnu Árnadóttur, Georg Kára Hilmarsson og Hróðmar Sigurbjörnsson.
Í ár verður frumflutt Jólalag Söngfjelagsins 2025, Stundvísu jól, eftir Karl Ágúst Úlfsson, sem er meðlimur í Söngfjelaginu. Sérlegur útsetjari Söngfjelagsins í gegnum tíðina er Haraldur V. Sveinbjörnsson. Með kórnum leikur hljómsveit Kjartans Valdemarssonar ásamt strengjasveit Hjörleifs Valssonar.
Sérstakir gestir verða Björg Þórhallsdóttir og Pálmi Gunnarsson ásamt hinni heimsþekktu Polinu Shepherd, þjóðlaga- og Klezmersöngkonu.
Sem fyrr munu gleði, kærleikur og friður svífa yfir vötnum á þessari uppskeruhátíð Söngfjelagsins og kórstjórans, sem líta yfir farinn veg og fagna frjóu og góðu samstarfi.
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Slavic Voices at King's College Chapel, London.
2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | King’s College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
Pre-Christmas concert at King’s College London Chapel
BOOK HERE
Join us on the journey to explore and share the culturally unique and musically diverse repertoire of the wide Slavic world and beyond: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Schnittke and others, refined XVIII-XIX centuries Art songs and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea.
The repertoire of Slavic Voices London & Brighton choir is sung in Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Yiddish or Romanian. Slavic Voices perform in a way that is rarely encountered in the choral world. There is freedom and spontaneity in their approach to folklore as well as precision and deep focus in their classical repertoire, presented with great attention to cultural context, history and style.
The choir opened in September 2023 and now has around 90 singers coming from many cultural backgrounds. They have performed joint concerts with a Macedonian Folk Duo Filip Arilon and Stojan Stojanov (Macedonia), Maspindzeli Georgian choir (London), Heartwood Chorus in Bristol, Bulgarian dance group Vezanitsa (Brighton) and even collaborated with a UK Klezmer-Punk Carnival Chaos Band Buffo’s Wake.
The non-auditioned choir warmly welcomes new singers and aims to share their music through concerts across England, with their most recent performance held at the iconic St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol. Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist.
This pre-Christmas concert in London promises to be an enchanting evening, celebrating the essence of Slavic culture through music that transcends borders.

– A mesmerising sonic journey through Eastern Europe’s rich musical heritage, the concert was a vibrant blend of heart-warming, uplifting, and classical tunes. Every singer poured their soul into the performance, creating an unforgettable experience. At the heart of it all, Polina’s brilliance and passion drive this exceptional ensemble, turning music into pure joy for both performers and audience alike.
G.S, audience member in Brighton, March 2025.

– In the current geo-political climate, culture and humanity are more important than ever, and these are qualities close to the heart of Polina Shepherd…I highly recommend the choir to anyone with the slightest interest in music.
DG, audience member in London, February 2025

– I was totally captivated by the harmonies and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I was particularly taken with Polina’s style of conducting which I felt drew the audience deeper into the music. An absolute pleasure to listen to.”
L.R, audience member in Brighton, March 2025.

Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
More information about Slavic Voices here.

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The Stranniki in Cleveland, OH, USA.
2026-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
7pm. House concert at 31200 Ainsworth Drive.
To book, please email cleveconcert@gmail.com or sms on +2163964509.
The Stranniki is a collaborative project by Psoy Korolenko and Polina Shepherd, two multilingual, cross-genre artists and authors, prominent in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades.
Following their initial mini-tour and presentation at the Mediating a New Cold War in the Digital Age conference at Dartmouth College in 2015, the duo embarked on a US tour in 2016, which was succeeded by more international concerts in 2018, including the JetLAG Festival, featuring the program Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl. Central to this repertoire is the concept of the ‘strannik’ (wanderer; literally ‘wandering stranger, strange-nik’), roughly translatable into Yiddish as ‘navenadnik’ (vagabond), and the associated archetype of ‘doroga’ (Russian for road, path). The Stranniki draw upon, feature, and/or fuse elements of poetry and songs from Yiddish and Russian literature, folklore and popular culture of 19 and 20 centuries, organically weaving in their own original material.
Their first mutual album unveils a distinctive continuity of texts, melodies, paths and destinies, inspiring and informing in the peculiar 2020s as much as it ever has—if not more so.
PSOY KOROLENKO (vocals & some piano): Pavel Lion, a.k.a. Psoy Korolenko, is a Moscow based singer/songwriter, translator, scholar and journalist. Picture a jetlagged Allen Ginsberg hopped up on a double espresso: a polyglot people-pleaser, a born performer, a half-serious shaman…. a practitioner of what he calls “spell art,” which is to say art that casts a spell on its befuddled, bemused, blissed-out audience. (“Forward”). He has been referred to as a ”wandering scholar” and an ”avant-bard”. His multilingual one-person cabaret-esque show balances folk and klezmer music, free-style poetry and intellectual comedy. Psoy writes and sings in English, Russian, Yiddish, and French. On stage since 2000, he has published one book of selected essays and song lyrics ”The Hit Of The Century”, and 14 CDs – some of them in collaboration with active Jewish and Klezmer musicians (“Opa!”, Daniel Kahn, Igor Krutogolov, “Oy Division”). Psoy is a member of the organizing committee for a Russian American music festival JetLAG, a guest of many klezmer music festivals, and an ex-artist in residence at the Trinity College (Hartford), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). An author of insightful and sophisticated Russian sung poetry, Psoy is also known for his keen and explorative vision of the art of translation, “tradaptation” and what he calls Spell-Art (i.e. playing with foreign text, emphasizing linguistic distances, multilingual songs etc).
POLINA SHEPHERD (vocals, piano): “The Robert Plant of klezmer” (Seth Rogovoy, The Essential Klezmer), performs an explosive mixture of songs of the Steppes and the Shtetl spiced up by Tatar Bazaars and washed down with an Odessa fisherman’s tune: Russian and Yiddish, folklore and fakelore, the powerful and the profound.
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The Stranniki in Chicago, IL, USA
2026-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | KRUG, 1400 S Wolf Rd Ste 100, Wheeling, IL, 60090
BOOK HERE
The Stranniki is a collaborative project by Psoy Korolenko and Polina Shepherd, two multilingual, cross-genre artists and authors, prominent in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades. Following their initial mini-tour and presentation at the Mediating a New Cold War in the Digital Age conference at Dartmouth College in 2015, the duo embarked on a US tour in 2016, which was succeeded by more international concerts in 2018, including the JetLAG Festival, featuring the program Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl. Central to this repertoire is the concept of the ‘strannik’ (wanderer; literally ‘wandering stranger, strange-nik’), roughly translatable into Yiddish as ‘navenadnik’ (vagabond), and the associated archetype of ‘doroga’ (Russian for road, path). The Stranniki draw upon, feature, and/or fuse elements of poetry and songs from Yiddish and Russian literature, folklore and popular culture of 19 and 20 centuries, organically weaving in their own original material. Their first mutual album unveils a distinctive continuity of texts, melodies, paths and destinies, inspiring and informing in the peculiar 2020s as much as it ever has—if not more so.
PSOY KOROLENKO (vocals & some piano): Pavel Lion, a.k.a. Psoy Korolenko, is a Moscow based singer/songwriter, translator, scholar and journalist. Picture a jetlagged Allen Ginsberg hopped up on a double espresso: a polyglot people-pleaser, a born performer, a half-serious shaman…. a practitioner of what he calls “spell art,” which is to say art that casts a spell on its befuddled, bemused, blissed-out audience. (“Forward”). He has been referred to as a ”wandering scholar” and an ”avant-bard”. His multilingual one-person cabaret-esque show balances folk and klezmer music, free-style poetry and intellectual comedy. Psoy writes and sings in English, Russian, Yiddish, and French. On stage since 2000, he has published one book of selected essays and song lyrics ”The Hit Of The Century”, and 14 CDs – some of them in collaboration with active Jewish and Klezmer musicians (“Opa!”, Daniel Kahn, Igor Krutogolov, “Oy Division”). Psoy is a member of the organizing committee for a Russian American music festival JetLAG, a guest of many klezmer music festivals, and an ex-artist in residence at the Trinity College (Hartford), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). An author of insightful and sophisticated Russian sung poetry, Psoy is also known for his keen and explorative vision of the art of translation, “tradaptation” and what he calls Spell-Art (i.e. playing with foreign text, emphasizing linguistic distances, multilingual songs etc).

POLINA SHEPHERD (vocals, piano): “The Robert Plant of klezmer” (Seth Rogovoy, The Essential Klezmer), performs an explosive mixture of songs of the Steppes and the Shtetl spiced up by Tatar Bazaars and washed down with an Odessa fisherman’s tune: Russian and Yiddish, folklore and fakelore, the powerful and the profound.
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An Afternoon of Yiddish Music with The Stranniki. Minneapolis, MN, USA.
2026-01-20 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Capp Center St. Paul, 1375 St. Paul Ave,, St. Paul, MN, 55116, United States
MN JCC Singalong / Event mainly for Russian-speaking seniors

Join Psoy Korolenko and Polina Shepherd, two genre-defying, multilingual powerhouses of Yiddish music, for an unforgettable afternoon of song, poetry, and spellbinding storytelling. They combine performance and participatory singalong, bringing both rare and beloved Yiddish songs.
Performing together as The Stranniki (“Wanderers”), this dynamic duo weaves together 19th–20th century folklore, literature, and original compositions that traverse themes of travel, identity, and cultural fusion. Their performances shimmer with humor, heart, and hypnotic harmonies.
Event presented in English and Russian!
Introduction from Yulia Shteyn (Minnesota JCC) Sarah Larsson of Minneapolis-based Red Thread and Klezmer on Ice. Co-presented by Folk Will Save Us (www.folkwillsaveus.org)
FREE
CLICK HERE to register.
Questions? Contact Yulia at yulias@minnesotajcc.org.
This event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
https://minnesotajcc.org/event/an-afternoon-of-yiddish-music-with-the-stranniki/

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The Stranniki in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, MN 55419, United States
Presented in partnership by The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) and KAMIN. In collaboration with Ilana Volodarsky and RAJMN (Russian-American Jews in Minnesota)
BOOK HERE
Join Psoy Korolenko and Polina Shepherd, two genre-defying, multilingual powerhouses of Yiddish and Russian music, for an unforgettable evening of song, poetry, and spellbinding storytelling.
Performing together as The Stranniki (“Wanderers”), this dynamic duo weaves together 19th–20th century folklore, literature, and original compositions that traverse themes of travel, identity, and cultural fusion. Their performances shimmer with humor, heart, and hypnotic harmonies.
Psoy Korolenko, once Moscow’s “avant-bard” (now based in New Jersey), is a one-man cabaret of klezmer, freestyle poetry, and intellectual comedy. Think Ginsberg meets Gogol with a keyboard. Polina Shepherd, often called “the Robert Plant of klezmer,” channels the Steppes, the Shtetl, and everything in between – raw, radiant, and deeply rooted.
From JetLAG Music Festival to international stages, The Stranniki bring their acclaimed programme and electrifying presence to life.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026Concert: 7:00 PM | Doors Open: 6:30 PMThe Museum of Russian Art – Main Gallery
All galleries and TMORA Shop will be open prior to the concert for your enjoyment.
Tickets $25 TMORA Members | $30 General Admission | $35 Day of Show (if available)

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The Stranniki in Portland, OR, USA
2026-01-23 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Denver) | Eastside Jewish Commons, 2420 NE Sandy Blv, Portland, 97232, United States
BOOK HERE
The Stranniki (The Wanderers) is a collaboration between Polina Shepherd and Psoy Korolenko, renowned multilingual artists in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades. Together, they have toured the U.S. and internationally, performing programs such as “Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl.” Their work centers on the themes of the wanderer and the road as a path, blending Yiddish and Russian poetry, folklore, and music from the 19th and 20th centuries with their own compositions. The project reveals a unique continuity of texts, melodies, roads, and destinies—still inspiring and meaningful today, perhaps more than ever.
All Ages $25 Adv/$30 Door
Polina Shepherd, a Siberia-born, UK-based composer and singer, specializes in Yiddish and Russian music, blending East European Jewish, Slavic, and Turkic influences. She has collaborated with artists such as Merlin Shepherd, Lorin Sklamberg, and Psoy Korolenko. During the pandemic, she launched the online project Yiddish Song: Step Forverts, featuring Yiddishists from around the world, and co-produced the CD Undzer Yiddishkayt, showcasing new songs by Eurasian artists. Her work spans choral direction, improvisation, and theatre, promoting Jewish music globally.
Psoy Korolenko (Pavel Lion) is a multilingual singer-songwriter, translator, journalist, and scholar, and a Visiting Lecturer at Dartmouth College. A former artist-in-residence at several U.S. universities, he has released numerous albums and books. His eclectic style combines Soviet urban folk, Yiddish theater songs, French chanson, and more. A Recording Academy voting member, he co-organizes the JetLAG Festival in New York and co-created the Grammy-nominated Yiddish Glory, reviving WWII-era Yiddish songs from Ukraine in collaboration with historian Anna Shternshis.

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The Stranniki in Vancouver, BC, Canada
2026-01-24 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cityview Church, 4370 Sophia Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 3V7, Canada
Booking information coming soon
4370 Sophia St.
Vancouver, BC
Cityview Baptist Church
7pm
The Stranniki (The Wanderers) is a collaboration between Polina Shepherd and Psoy Korolenko, renowned multilingual artists in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades. Together, they have toured the U.S. and internationally, performing programs such as “Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl.” Their work centers on the themes of the wanderer and the road as a path, blending Yiddish and Russian poetry, folklore, and music from the 19th and 20th centuries with their own compositions. The project reveals a unique continuity of texts, melodies, roads, and destinies—still inspiring and meaningful today, perhaps more than ever.
Polina Shepherd, a Siberia-born, UK-based composer and singer, specializes in Yiddish and Russian music, blending East European Jewish, Slavic, and Turkic influences. She has collaborated with artists such as Merlin Shepherd, Lorin Sklamberg, and Psoy Korolenko. During the pandemic, she launched the online project Yiddish Song: Step Forverts, featuring Yiddishists from around the world, and co-produced the CD Undzer Yiddishkayt, showcasing new songs by Eurasian artists. Her work spans choral direction, improvisation, and theatre, promoting Jewish music globally.
Psoy Korolenko (Pavel Lion) is a multilingual singer-songwriter, translator, journalist, and scholar, and a Visiting Lecturer at Dartmouth College. A former artist-in-residence at several U.S. universities, he has released numerous albums and books. His eclectic style combines Soviet urban folk, Yiddish theater songs, French chanson, and more. A Recording Academy voting member, he co-organizes the JetLAG Festival in New York and co-created the Grammy-nominated Yiddish Glory, reviving WWII-era Yiddish songs from Ukraine in collaboration with historian Anna Shternshis.
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The Stranniki in Seattle, WA, USA
2026-01-25 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
More information coming soon. Contact phone number – 425 765-4084
Concert will start at 7pm.
The Stranniki (The Wanderers) is a collaboration between Polina Shepherd and Psoy Korolenko, renowned multilingual artists in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades. Together, they have toured the U.S. and internationally, performing programs such as “Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl.” Their work centers on the themes of the wanderer and the road as a path, blending Yiddish and Russian poetry, folklore, and music from the 19th and 20th centuries with their own compositions. The project reveals a unique continuity of texts, melodies, roads, and destinies—still inspiring and meaningful today, perhaps more than ever.
Psoy Korolenko (Pavel Lion) is a multilingual singer-songwriter, translator, journalist, and scholar, and a Visiting Lecturer at Dartmouth College. A former artist-in-residence at several U.S. universities, he has released numerous albums and books. His eclectic style combines Soviet urban folk, Yiddish theater songs, French chanson, and more. A Recording Academy voting member, he co-organizes the JetLAG Festival in New York and co-created the Grammy-nominated Yiddish Glory, reviving WWII-era Yiddish songs from Ukraine in collaboration with historian Anna Shternshis.
Polina Shepherd, a Siberia-born, UK-based composer and singer, specializes in Yiddish and Russian music, blending East European Jewish, Slavic, and Turkic influences. She has collaborated with artists such as Merlin Shepherd, Lorin Sklamberg, and Psoy Korolenko. During the pandemic, she launched the online project Yiddish Song: Step Forverts, featuring Yiddishists from around the world, and co-produced the CD Undzer Yiddishkayt, showcasing new songs by Eurasian artists. Her work spans choral direction, improvisation, and theatre, promoting Jewish music globally.

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Winter Warmer - Music from around the World. Brighton, UK
2026-01-31 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
A fantastic line up of music and dance from around the World. Some new acts and some old favourites. Melodies, Songs and Rhythms from Sudan, Zimbabwe, Persia Afghanistan, Kurdistan & Eastern Europe.
Polina Shepherd & Slavic VoicesPeyman Heydarian & Kourosh KouchakpourIsaac JengwaJo EmaBashir Al Gamar.
Free event, open to all
Read full details on Best Foot Music website.

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Icelandic Choir of London and Slavic Voices in Brighton. SOLD OUT
2026-02-28 14:30 - 16:30 UTC | St Luke’s Church Brighton, Queens Park Rd, Brighton, East Sussex, Queens Park Rd, BrighBN2 9ZB, United Kingdom
Welcome Spring with The Icelandic Choir of London and Slavic Voices
SOLD OUT
DOWNLOAD CONCERT PROGRAMME HERE: Welcome Spring 2026 Slavic Vocies and Icelanci Choir concert programme
Slavic Voices Brighton and London choir will perform a joint concert with the Icelandic Choir of London at St. Luke’s Church. Doors: 2.00pm, concert – 2.30 – 4.30pm.

Songs from thousands of miles away will be brought to your doorstep by two British choirs – The Icelandic Choir of London and Slavic Voices (Brighton and London). Experience compelling and complex repertoire from several musical cultures and styles to welcome this year’s sunshine.
The Icelandic Choir of London (Íslenski Kórinn í London), founded in 1984, performs a varied Nordic programme and travels regularly. The group’s main focus is to perform Icelandic choral music but it also performs folk music, pop music arrangements and other Nordic choral repertoire. The choir has travelled to and performed in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and The Netherlands, as well as London, Manchester, Brighton and Hull. Collaborators include the Reykjavik Chamber Choir, London Nordic Choir, the German Choir of London, Cecil Sharp House Choir, Southbank Centre London, other Icelandic choirs from across Northern Europe and many more. Since 2012 the choir has been directed by Helgi R. Ingvarsson, Icelandic-British composer, teacher and lecturer.
Slavic Voices London & Brighton choir perform in a way that is rarely encountered in the choral world. There is freedom and spontaneity in their approach to folklore as well as precision and deep focus in their classical repertoire, presented with great attention to cultural context, history and style. The choir presents music of all styles from the Slavic world: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and others, refined XVIII-XIX-centuries 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, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Georgian or Romanian. The choir is led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist. It was founded in September 2023 and now has around 90 singers with all kinds of backgrounds. SV have performed joint concerts with a Macedonian Folk Duo Filip Arilon and Stojan Stojanov (Macedonia), Maspindzeli Georgian choir (London), Heartwood Chorus in Bristol, Bulgarian dance group Vezanitsa (Brighton) and even collaborated with Buffo’s Wake – a UK Klezmer-Punk Carnival Chaos Band.

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WeltMusik Chorwoche. Germany.
2026-03-09 12:00 - 2026-03-13 14:00 UTC | Tagungshaus Carnap, Pisselberg 14, Dannenberg, 29451, Germany
A residential week of singing and community fun in a rural place in Germany not far from Hamburg with WeltMusik Choir led by Nathaniel Damon and Polina Shepherd.TAUGHT IN ENGLISH with German translation on demand.
We are delighted to announce this event in Germany again – a week of singing in a beautiful old farmhouse on the Elbe River, full of charm and very cozy. Arrival on Monday, 9 March at 11am. Workshop ends on Saturday 14 March around 8:30 PM after the final concert (concert begins at 7:00 PM).The workshop will be taught in English with occasional translation into German on request. Vegetarian full board: We will cook simple, delicious, organic vegetarian meals together. There is a core group that organizes the cooking and plans the meals. Everyone will take a turn chopping, stirring, and participating in the cooking team. This provides a nice balance to rehearsals and strengthens the sense of community. Taught by Nathaniel Damon and Polina Shepherd.
READ MORE AND REGISTER: https://www.nathanieldamon.com/chorwoche-polina-shepherd/
BOOK HERE
Unterbringung: Die Carnap Tagungshäuser in Pisselberg bei Dannenberg an der Elbe sind wunderschöne alte Bauernhäuser, mit viel Charme und sehr gemütlich. Die meisten Zimmer sind vor allem 2 und 3 Bettzimmer. Einzelzimmer sind mit Aufpreis von 12€ pro Nacht begrenzt vorhanden.
Workshopbeginn: Ankommen am Montag, den 9. März um 11 Uhr, die erste Mahlzeit ist um 13:00, die erste Probe beginnt um 14 Uhr
Workshopende: Samstag ca 20:30 Uhr nach dem Abschlusskonzert (Konzertbeginn 19 Uhr)
Workshop Sprache: vorwiegend Englisch mit punktuelle Übersetzung ins Deutsche bei Nachfragen
Vegetarische Vollverpflegung: wir werden gemeinsam einfache, leckere vegetarische bio Mahlzeiten kochen. Es gibt eine Kerngruppe, die das Kochen organisiert und die Mahlzeiten plant. Jede ist mal dran, zu schnippeln, rühren und im Kochteam mitzuagieren. Es entsteht ein schöner Ausgleich zum Proben und die Gemeinschaft wird gestärkt. Die erste Mahlzeit ist am Montag um 13:00 / Letzte Mahlzeit: Frühstück am Samstag.
Zusätzliche Mahlzeiten: Folgende Mahlzeiten müssen selbst finanziert werden: Samstag Mittagessen/ Abendessen
Adresse: Tagungshaus Carnap, Pisselberg 14, 29451 Dannenberg (Elbe)
Hin/ Ruckfahrt: Das Tagungshaus Carnap ist mit einem Hamburg Ticket zu erreichen. Falls du mit Auto kommen möchtest und Platz hast, andere mitzunehmen oder ein Platz im Auto suchst, kannst du das selbständig organisieren
Zahlung nach Selbsteinschätzung (Sliding Scale): jede Person zahlt nach ihrer Möglichkeit innerhalb einen vorgegebenen Rahmen von 1000€-600€.
Nathaniel Damon – Musik aus aller Welt
Nathaniel Unterrichtet Lieder aus den USA, aus Georgien, Südafrika, dem Balkan, Korsika uvm. Er freut sich, mit euch in den unterschiedlichsten Klängen diesen Traditionen einzusteigen.
Nathaniel Damon stammt aus dem US-Bundesstaat Vermont, wo er als Teenager mit dem Weltmusik Ensemble Village Harmony gesungen hat. Er studierte Gesang an der HfMT in Hamburg und gründete in 2005 den Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg, der sich zurzeit aus 55 Sänger*innen zusammensetzt. Er gibt Chorworkshops zum Thema Improvisation & Weltmusik, begleitet Tanzveranstaltungen als Multi-Instrumentalist & Sänger und komponiert seit 2018 eigene Chormusik. Seine Chorarbeit ist geprägt von seinem inneren Verlangen nach Gemeinschaft und seinen Wunsch, verschiedene Menschen in dieser Gemeinschaft einen Platz zu ermöglichen.
Polina Shepherd – Magical Songs of the East
Polina ist Komponistin, Performerin, Pädagogin und Kulturaktivistin. Sie stammt ursprünglich aus Sibirien und lebt jetzt in Brighton im Vereinigten Königreich. Ihr Gesang basiert auf traditionellen Formen, ist aber tief in der osteuropäischen jüdischen und russischen Folklore verwurzelt. Durch ihr Aufwachsen in Tatarstan kam sie auch der islamischen Ornamentik und Klangfarbe nahe, was in ihrem einzigartigen Gesangsstil zu hören ist.
In Kasan (Hauptstadt von Tatarstan, Zentralrussland) studierte sie an der staatlichen Akademie und schloss sich der ersten Klezmer-Band Russlands nach der Perestroika an, Simcha (1990-2000). Bald wurde sie zur wichtigsten jiddischen Chorleiterin der ehemaligen Sowjetunion, komponierte Originalmaterial für große Stimmgruppen und ging mit ihrem Quartett Ashkenazim (1991-2007) auf internationale Tournee.
Als Solokünstlerin präsentiert sie eine Vielzahl von Liedern, darunter ihr Soloalbum Three Centuries Ago, das zum Teil mit eigenen Gedichten versehen ist. Im Jahr 2023 trat Polina dem GRAMMY®️-prämierten Barockorchester Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland, USA) als Gastsängerin bei der Exile & Resilience-Tournee durch die USA und Europa bei. Neben Dutzenden von Projekten arbeitete sie als Sängerin mit dem Remix-Künstler Max Pashm an Never Mind the Balkans, der rumänischen Roma-Brass-Band Fanfara und zuletzt an der Gecko Theatre-Produktion Kin (2022).
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WELTMUSIK CHORkonzerte. Dannenberg, Germany
2026-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Bahnhof Dannenberg, Am Ostbahnhof 1, Dannenberg (Elbe), 29451, Germany
SCROLL DOWN FOR ENGLISHFree admissionEintritt frei

Eine Woche singen mit Polina Shepherd (Magical Songs of the East) und Nathaniel Damon (Music from around the world) vom 9. bis zum 14.3.2026 im Tagungshaus Carnap in Pisselberg (Dannenberg, Elbe). Zum Abschluss des Workshops gibt es zwei Konzerte mit allen Teilnehmenden:Fr., 13.3., 19 Uhr, Bahnhof Dannenberg, Sa.,14.3., 19 Uhr, St. Simeon-Kirche, Dörpfeld-straße 58, Hamburg-Osdorf, jeweils Eintritt frei.Der Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg lud ein zu einer musikalischen Reise mit Liedern aus USA, Frankreich, Deutschland, Andalusien, Bosnien, Georgien, Mazedonien, Kuba und Südafrika.
Seit 2005 reist der Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg durch spannende Harmonien und Klangwelten. Die musikalische Vielfalt aus vielen Kulturen zeigt sich zum Beispiel in den kraftvollen Polyphonien aus Georgien, in den lebendigen Rhythmen und Dissonanzen des Balkans und in den treibenden Shape-Note-Hymnen, den Appalachen-Lieder aus den USA. Unser Repertoire reicht von Renaissance-Musik bis zu zeitgenössischen Chor-Kompositionen.Chorleiter, Nathaniel Damon, stammt aus dem US-Bundesstaat Vermont, wo er als Teenager mit dem Weltmusik-Ensemble Village Harmony gesungen hat. Er studierte Gesang an der HfMT in Hamburg und gründete in 2005 den Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg, der sich zurzeit aus 60 Sänger*innen zusammensetzt. Er leitet Chorworkshops zum Thema Improvisation & Weltmusik und kooperiert dabei mit Chorleiter:innen aus verschiedenen Ländern. Als Multi-Instrumentalist und Sänger komponiert er seit 2018 eigene Chormusik.Polina Shepherd ist Sängerin, Komponistin und Musik-Pädagogin. Sie stammt ursprünglich aus Sibirien und lebt in England. Ihr Gesang ist tief in der osteuropäischen jüdischen und russischen Folklore verwurzelt.
Singing for a week with Polina Shepherd (Magical Songs of the East) and Nathaniel Damon (Music from around the world) from 9 to 14.3.2026 at the Carnap conference house in Pisselberg (Dannenberg, Elbe). At the end of the workshop there will be two concerts with all participants: Fri., 13.3., 7 p.m., Dannenberg train station, Sat., 14.3., 7 p.m., St. Simeon Church, Dörpfeld-straße 58, Hamburg-Osdorf, free admission.
The World Music Choir Hamburg invited to a musical journey with songs from the USA, France, Germany, Andalusia, Bosnia, Georgia, Macedonia, Cuba and South Africa.
Since 2005, the Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg has been travelling through exciting harmonies and worlds of sound. The musical diversity from many cultures is evident, for example, in the powerful polyphonies from Georgia, in the lively rhythms and dissonances of the Balkans and in the driving shape-note anthems, the Appalachian songs from the USA. Our repertoire ranges from Renaissance music to contemporary choral compositions.Choir director, Nathaniel Damon, comes from the US state of Vermont, where he sang with the world music ensemble Village Harmony as a teenager. He studied singing at the HfMT in Hamburg and founded the Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg in 2005, which currently consists of 60 singers. He leads choral workshops on the improvisation and world music and wollaborates with choir directors from different countries. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has been composing his own choral music since 2018.
Polina Shepherd is a singer, composer and music educator. She is originally from Siberia now living in the UK. Their singing is deeply rooted in Eastern European Jewish and Russian folklore.
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WELTMUSIK CHORkonzerte. Hamburg. Germany
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | St. Simeon Kirche Langelohstraße 119, 22609 HAMBURG, St. Simeon Kirche, HAMBURG, 22609, Germany
SCROLL DOWN FOR DEUTSCHFree admissionEintritt frei

The World Music Choir Hamburg invited to a musical journey with songs from the USA, France, Germany, Andalusia, Bosnia, Georgia, Macedonia, Cuba and South Africa.
Since 2005, the Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg has been travelling through exciting harmonies and worlds of sound. The musical diversity from many cultures is evident, for example, in the powerful polyphonies from Georgia, in the lively rhythms and dissonances of the Balkans and in the driving shape-note anthems, the Appalachian songs from the USA. Our repertoire ranges from Renaissance music to contemporary choral compositions.
Choir director, Nathaniel Damon, comes from the US state of Vermont, where he sang with the world music ensemble Village Harmony as a teenager. He studied singing at the HfMT in Hamburg and founded the Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg in 2005, which currently consists of 60 singers. He leads choral workshops on the improvisation and world music and wollaborates with choir directors from different countries. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has been composing his own choral music since 2018.
Polina Shepherd is a singer, composer and music educator. She is originally from Siberia now living in the UK. Their singing is deeply rooted in Eastern European Jewish and Russian folklore.

Eine Woche singen mit Polina Shepherd (Magical Songs of the East) und Nathaniel Damon (Music from around the world) vom 9. bis zum 14.3.2026 im Tagungshaus Carnap in Pisselberg (Dannenberg, Elbe). Zum Abschluss des Workshops gibt es zwei Konzerte mit allen Teilnehmenden:Fr., 13.3., 19 Uhr, Bahnhof Dannenberg, Sa.,14.3., 19 Uhr, St. Simeon-Kirche, Dörpfeld-straße 58, Hamburg-Osdorf, jeweils Eintritt frei.Der Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg lud ein zu einer musikalischen Reise mit Liedern aus USA, Frankreich, Deutschland, Andalusien, Bosnien, Georgien, Mazedonien, Kuba und Südafrika.
Seit 2005 reist der Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg durch spannende Harmonien und Klangwelten. Die musikalische Vielfalt aus vielen Kulturen zeigt sich zum Beispiel in den kraftvollen Polyphonien aus Georgien, in den lebendigen Rhythmen und Dissonanzen des Balkans und in den treibenden Shape-Note-Hymnen, den Appalachen-Lieder aus den USA. Unser Repertoire reicht von Renaissance-Musik bis zu zeitgenössischen Chor-Kompositionen.
Chorleiter, Nathaniel Damon, stammt aus dem US-Bundesstaat Vermont, wo er als Teenager mit dem Weltmusik-Ensemble Village Harmony gesungen hat. Er studierte Gesang an der HfMT in Hamburg und gründete in 2005 den Weltmusik-Chor Hamburg, der sich zurzeit aus 60 Sänger*innen zusammensetzt. Er leitet Chorworkshops zum Thema Improvisation & Weltmusik und kooperiert dabei mit Chorleiter:innen aus verschiedenen Ländern. Als Multi-Instrumentalist und Sänger komponiert er seit 2018 eigene Chormusik.
Polina Shepherd ist Sängerin, Komponistin und Musik-Pädagogin. Sie stammt ursprünglich aus Sibirien und lebt in England. Ihr Gesang ist tief in der osteuropäischen jüdischen und russischen Folklore verwurzelt.
Singing for a week with Polina Shepherd (Magical Songs of the East) and Nathaniel Damon (Music from around the world) from 9 to 14.3.2026 at the Carnap conference house in Pisselberg (Dannenberg, Elbe). At the end of the workshop there will be two concerts with all participants: Fri., 13.3., 7 p.m., Dannenberg train station, Sat., 14.3., 7 p.m., St. Simeon Church, Dörpfeld-straße 58, Hamburg-Osdorf, free admission.
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The Stranniki concert in New York, NY, USA.
2026-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Davidzon Radio, 2508 Coney Island Avenue, FL 2 Brooklyn, New York, NY, 11223, United States
The Stranniki is a collaboration between Polina Shepherd and Psoy Korolenko, renowned multilingual artists in the Yiddish music scene for over two decades. Since 2016, the duo has toured the U.S. and internationally, performing programs like Schlepping the Steppes and the Shtetl. Their work centers on the concept of the wanderer, the nomad, and the folklore archetype of the road (path), blending Yiddish and Russian poetry, folklore, and music from the 19th and 20th centuries with their own compositions. Their first album connects themes of journeys, culture, and history, resonating today more than ever. Last year they completed a cross-America tour in various venues and universities.

Psoy Korolenko (Pavel Lion) is a multilingual singer-songwriter, translator, journalist, and scholar. Since 2023, he has been a Visiting Lecturer at Dartmouth College, hosted by the Jewish Studies Program, co-teaching the course “Jewish Folklore.” A former artist-in-residence at several U.S. universities, he has released numerous albums and books. His eclectic style combines Soviet urban folk, Yiddish theater songs, French chanson, and more. A Recording Academy voting member, he co-organizes the JetLAG festival in New York and co-created the Grammy-nominated Yiddish Glory, reviving WWII-era Yiddish songs from Ukraine in collaboration with historian Anna Shternshis.

Polina Shepherd, a Siberia-born, UK-based composer and singer, specializes in Yiddish and Russian music, blending East European Jewish, Slavic, and Turkic influences. She has collaborated with artists such as Merlin Shepherd, Lorin Sklamberg and Psoy Korolenko. During the pandemic, she launched Step Forverts and released Undzer Yiddishkayt, showcasing new songs by Eurasian klezmer artists. As artistic director of the Caravan Orchestra, a youth initiative fostering collaboration across cultures, her work spans choral direction, improvisation, and theatre, promoting Jewish music globally.

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Yiddish Song Workshop and Concert, Boston, USA + online
2026-04-05 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Boston Workers Circle, 6 Webster Street, Brookline, MA, 02446, United States
Workshop 3pm
Concert 4pm
Venue: Boston Workers Circle, 6 Webster Street, Brookline, MA, USA
BOOK HERE

Polina Shepherd is a world-class performer, composer, educator, and cultural activist originally from Siberia, now living in Brighton UK.
Her singing cuts a sound deeply rooted in east European Jewish and Russian folk. Growing up in Tatarstan also placed her close to Islamic ornamentation and timbre, which can be heard in her unique vocal style.

– …a stunning vocalist with a four octave range and no slouch on piano, either. – Forward

Cost: $20 or pay what you can. Please use the Pass-the-Hat donation form to pay for tickets, and choose Yiddish Committee/Events when prompted on the form.
This event is cosponsored by A Besere Velt and the Yiddish Committee.
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Enchanted Songs of the Slavic Soul. Oakland, CA, USA
2026-04-11 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St Paul Lutheran Church, 1658 Excelsior Avenue, Oakland, CA, CA 94602, United States
Join acclaimed performer and educator Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd for an immersive vocal journey into the heart of Eastern Europe.

The Kitka Institute and Glenview Classical Series present Enchanted Songs of the Slavic Soul
BOOK HERE
Join internationally acclaimed performer and educator Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd for an immersive vocal journey into the heart of Eastern Europe. This workshop goes beyond mere singing; it is an exploration of the “Slavic Soul”—a cultural space existing between life and death, the earthly and the divine.
Participants will engage with a diverse repertoire that spans the vastness of the Slavic world.
• Ritual & Pagan Songs: Celebrate the turning of the seasons and connection to the spirits of nature—where every blade of grass has a voice.
• Lyrical & “Drawn-out “Melodies: Experience the Protyazhnaya, songs of deep expressive power and lyrical intensity that echo the boundless horizon of the steppes.
• Dance & Community Songs: From gritty folklore to vibrant circle dances that foster communal joy and resilience.
• The Intersection of Cultures: Discover the Macaronic songs of Yiddish culture—fascinating musical hybrids where Yiddish meets Ukrainian, Russian, and Belorussian influences, reflecting the shared history of the steppes and the shtetl.
Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, a composer and choir leader raised in a Cossack/Jewish family in Tatarstan, this workshop utilizes her specially developed teaching methods. You will explore ornamentation, modal experimentation, and the specific “East European sound” in a way that is both free and focused.
Whether you are a professional singer or a “home singer” who has never joined a choir, you will be guided by ear to find a new flow for your voice—one that is inspiring, exciting, and deeply rooted in heritage.
This workshop will take place in Nelligan Hall, downstairs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oakland’s Glenview District.
Workshop Tuition: Suggested donation $30 per person. Please consider a more generous pay-it-forward donation if you are able, otherwise, pay what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds but a donation (even a small one) is required to secure your spot.
Polina will offer a concert performance on Sunday evening, April 12 at 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church as part of the Glenview Concert Series is a special shared program with Greek vocalist and weaver Phoebe Vlassis, joined by members of Kitka. To register for the workshop, attend the concert and receive a $5 discount, select the Workshop + Concert package at check out.

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The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance. Berkeley, CA, USA
2026-04-12 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94702, United States
BOOK HERE
READ MORE HERE
Join the October-May monthly series celebrating The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance! Great for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts to meet, learn, play, shmooze, or simply to take in the beauty of these rich traditions. Bring your instruments and dancing shoes.
For the April 12, 2026 session, music will be taught by Polina Shepherd. Read more about our instructors below.
Session format: During the first 90 minutes, participants choose between instruction in music or dance corresponding to the music. Then after a short break, musicians and dancers are brought together to perform what they’ve learned. Extra time after that continues the dance party or shifts into informal jam or instruction.
Basic instrumental proficiency is recommended for musicians. All instruments, singers, and dancers are welcome.
Tickets are $25 – $54 sliding scale. Online ticket sales will end on Friday, April 10 at noon. If not sold out, tickets may be purchased at the door. Kids 18 and under can attend free. No one turned away for lack of funds. Arrange volunteer/trade or reduced price entry in advance, or with the person at the door.
Additional donations are welcome to help sustain, grow, and cover the cost of this series. Additional donations would help cover travel costs of out of town instructors and many costs that are currently offset by donations.
The series is made possible by volunteer time and expertise of organizers Mike Perlmutter, Zina Pozen, and Bruce Bierman, as well as the financial support of Noah Youngs, Amos Lans, and other generous individuals, fiscal sponsorship and support by KlezCalifornia. We are grateful to our past host Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud and the JCC East Bay, and to our new hosts at Congregation Netivot Shalom.
Direct questions about the series to: JOY@KlezCalifornia.org

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Interwoven: Phoebe Vlassis, Polina Shepherd & Members of Kitka. Oakland, CA, USA
2026-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St Paul Lutheran Church, 1658 Excelsior Avenue, Oakland, CA, CA 94602, United States
An evening of songs inspired by textile arts.

The Kitka Institute and Glenview Classical Series present
INTERWOVEN
An evening of songs inspired by textile arts.
BOOK HERE
Artwork: Hung Liu, Woman Working: Loom (1999) National Museum of Women in the Arts

INTERWOVEN brings together three visionary forces in an evening of music inspired by the artistry of textile traditions. Greek weaver-musician Phoebe Vlassis transforms her loom into a percussive instrument, spinning rhythm and song into a living tapestry of sound. Siberian-born composer and vocalist Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd reimagines East European Jewish, Slavic, and Tatar folk heritage through original compositions and daring, spinning improvisations. Joining them are members of Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, Oakland’s renowned women’s vocal ensemble celebrated for forty-five seasons of fearless exploration of Balkan, Baltic, Caucasian, Mediterranean, and Slavic vocal traditions. Together, these artists weave voice, rhythm, memory, and innovation into a radiant sonic fabric—where ancient threads are interlaced with bold contemporary expression.
Audience members will be invited to raise their voices and become a part of the sonic tapestry.
$30 per person suggested donation. Please consider a more generous pay-it-forward contribution if you are able, otherwise, pay what you can. NOTAFLOF, but a donation is required to reserve a seat.

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KlezNorth. Youlgrave, Derbyshire, UK
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-19 | Youlgrave Village Hall, Holywell Lane, Youlgrave, Bakewell, DE45 1UT, United Kingdom
KlezNorth is an annual festival of Klezmer music, dance and song welcoming both Jewish and non-Jewish people to the wonderful world of Klezmer. KlezNorth is based in Derbyshire, but in this context, “North” regularly includes the Midlands, the Southwest, Wales and Scotland, the North East, East Anglia, and, dare we say, London and the South East. We have a few overseas participants as well.
Read more and book here.
Led by brass player Frank London, all the way from the USA, and singer Polina Shepherd we have Gica Loening on fiddle, Avia Moore teaching dance, Sanne Möricke on accordion and the always amazing Michael Alpert.
The full range of workshops and workshop leaders in 2026 will be announced as the programme is finalised.
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Songs of the Spring Meadow with Slavic Voices. St Leonards-on-Sea, UK
2026-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | kino-teatr, 43-49 Norman Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN38 0EG, United Kingdom
Kino-Teatr, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 0EQ

Sunday 26th April 2026 3:00PM

Slavic Voices London & Brighton choir present music of all styles from the Slavic world: Orthodox chants, beautiful classics by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Schnittke and others, refined XVIII-XIX-centuries Art songs and gritty folklore from the far corners of Siberia to the banks of the Black Sea. The choir’s repertoire is sung mainly in Russian but also in Polish, Ukrainian, Czech, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Yiddish or Romanian. Slavic Voices perform in a way that is rarely encountered in the choral world. There is freedom and spontaneity in their approach to folklore as well as precision and deep focus in their classical repertoire, presented with great attention to cultural context, history and style. Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist.

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Her:Kol – Yiddish Women’s Song Cultures. Weimar. Germany
2026-08-01 - 2026-08-08
Her:Kol – Yiddish Women’s Song Cultures. New musical settings of Yiddish women’s poetry by contemporary women composer / performers of Yiddish music. This will be part of Yiddish Summer Weimar Festival week. Polina Shepherd will be one of the featured artists. Watch this space for more.
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Festival of Song concert in Lewes, UK. TBA
2026-10-31 21:00 - 23:00 UTC
Merlin and Polina Shepherd Duo concert for Festival of Song
Late night series
More information is coming soon
Klezmer music and more.
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