Polina
is a composer, singer, pianist and the foremost Jewish
choir leader of the Former USSR. She has performed
internationally. Her grandfather, a veteran of the
Second World War, played bayan
(button
accordion) and her mother, a professional singer,
would often sing for hours while Polina listened as a
child, learning deeply rooted Jewish and Russian
traditions throughout her childhood years. Her
training at Kazan State Music college and then
Conservatory gave her an academic perspective. Polina
is a highly experienced international workshop leader
and Natural Voice practitioner in the UK.
The
Polina Shepherd Vocal Experience covers
many aspects of vocal music, from large-scale choral
experimentation, improvisation and self-expression to
highly arranged and conducted choir pieces, to smaller
chamber groups and solo. She teaches Hassidic
Nigunim
–
the age old Jewish songs without words. (Originally, the
term refered to religious songs and tunes that are sung by
groups.) Polina’s Russian song repertoire covers
ritual calendar songs for pagan holidays, exorcism and
sibylline song, circle dances, wedding songs, and weeping
songs, all with correct attention to history and style.
