From the Steppes to the Shtetl: Yiddish and Slavic Harmony Singing Workshop, with Polina Shepherd

Yiddish folk songs and nigunim (powerful and profound wordless songs) and Slavic traditional and art songs in lush harmonies will be explored in this workshop led by Tatarstan-born, UK-based vocalist and choir director Polina Skovoroda Shepherd. Tune up your body, mind, and voice for fully embodied, free-flowing vocal expression. Presented by The Kitka Institute.

Dive into an explosive mixture of songs from the Steppes and the Shtetl. And extra flavor with spices from a Tatar Bazaar, and wash them down with an Odessa fisherman’s tune: Yiddish folklore and popular songs, the powerful and the profound wordless songs – nigunim, traditional Slavic songs and Art songs in harmonies. Develop new ways for your voice to flow – free, inspiring, exciting. This workshop will also include a meditative sound bath, some fun folk rituals and simple circle dances. We will look into connecting with other cultures through singing, learn new repertoire and style and enjoy the depth and beauty of singing together.

There will be benefits for professional singers, experienced choristers as well as for those who consider themselves home singers or have never sung in their lives. Open to all!

At Grace Lutheran Church, 15 Santa Fe Avenue, El Cerrito, California.

For more info and tickets ($33.85 including fee), click “Read more” below.

See also https://klezcalifornia.org/events/the-stranniki-in-berkeley/ for info on a 2/4 performance with Polina Shepherd.