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.
Forthcoming
appearances
29 May
2008 Utrecht Netherlands, 8 pm, Centre for World Cultures,
Pauwstraat TG Utrecht. Lecture in Jewish music revival and
concert.
08 Jun 2008, 6 pm Aula du Collège des Colombières, Versoix,
Geneva, Switzerland with The Sound & Light Cinematic
Duo.
15 Jun 2008, 3 pm Brighton&Hove Progressive Synagogue.
Merlin
& Polina Shepherd Duo: piano, clarinets, vocals.
22 June 2008, 3 - 4.45 pm. The Spiro Ark, 25-26 Enford
street, London W1H 1DW. Choir with Polina Shepherd.
July 7th - 11th, 2008 Klezmer in Paris, Bibliothèque Medem.
Yiddish song workshops.
2 August 2008, 10 pm, Fonnefeesten Festival Belgium. Max
Pashm Band with Russian songs by P. Shepherd.
10 August 2008 –17 August 2008 Klezfest London.
University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,
London WC1 0XG. Workshops in Jewish song & Yiddish
choir.
13 August 2008, 8pm, Klezmer Climax Concert at West London
Synagogue, 33 Seymour Place, Marble Arch. London, W1H
5AU.