A gig on Saturday 14th June. The event starts at 12:00.
Join us for a workshop and concert in the stunning setting of St Mary, Redcliffe
Slavic Voices choir in concert, with support from Heartwood Chorus
Slavic Voices choir with Polina Shepherd
Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, 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, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Yiddish or Romanian. Slavic Voices’ perform in a way that is rarely encountered. 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.
“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.”
GS, audience member in Brighton, March 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."
LR, audience member in Brighton, March 2025
"A beautiful mix of voices, uplifting harmonies and moving Slavic melancholy."
SA, audience member in London, February 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
"A thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating afternoon. The singers were professionally well trained and their repertoire wide ranging both geographically and musically..."
JG audience member in London, February 2025
With support from Bristol's own Heartwood Chorus
A 48-strong a cappella folk choir, Heartwood sings songs whose murky origins stretch back centuries and centuries. They sing songs their grannies taught them. They sing songs of rebellion, of love, of war, of sex, of death, of the turning of the seasons.
Their voices come together to make a powerful sound which can be, by turns, huge or delicate. Original arrangements, quality singing and a singular vision are quickly transforming this choir from its origins as a community project into artists in their own right on the UK folk scene.
Workshop with Polina Shepherd
Slavic Voices workshop is open to all. Come and learn some songs from Slavic Voices’ repertoire, ranging from ancient Slavic pagan ritual songs to a Macedonian ballad and a classical Orthodox score. Teaching both by ear and with sheet music. Participants will have the option of joining Slavic Voices choir in concert.
Led by Slavic Voices choir director Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist. Originally from Siberia, Polina now lives in Brighton. She grew up singing at family gatherings where she accompanied her grandfather, a WWII veteran and her whole Cossack / Jewish family from the age of seven. Since moving to the UK in 2003 Polina has been performing, teaching, composing and touring with various projects internationally.
“Polina is a brilliant and talented teacher and coach... We all learned and sang with new freedom; we were encouraged to create harmonies, and together made music that I suspect was only possible due to Polina.”
Carol D, residential workshop participant
“Most enthusiastic and inspiring. Also extremely knowledgeable – not only about music. A great introduction to Slavic culture…”
BW, workshop participant
”Polina's an expert and experienced choir leader and her enthusiasm for choral singing is infectious.”
NK, workshop participant
“Wonderful music from some very unique genres, much of which has been new to me. Polina’s style of teaching and selection of music have provided an amazing opportunity to listen and learn from an incredibly talented musician.”
NT, online workshop participant
TICKET PRICES
£38/28/18 workshop and concert
£20/15/10 workshop or concert only
TIMINGS
Workshop
12–2pm, in the undercroft
Concert
3–5pm, doors open at 2.30pm. Including interval with refreshments.
Children
Children under 14 are welcome to attend for free with a responsible adult.
Entry requirements: no age restrictions
Slavic Voices choir in concert, with support from Heartwood Chorus
Slavic Voices choir with Polina Shepherd
Led by Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, 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, Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Belorussian, sometimes even Yiddish or Romanian. Slavic Voices’ perform in a way that is rarely encountered. 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.
“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.”
GS, audience member in Brighton, March 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."
LR, audience member in Brighton, March 2025
"A beautiful mix of voices, uplifting harmonies and moving Slavic melancholy."
SA, audience member in London, February 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
"A thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating afternoon. The singers were professionally well trained and their repertoire wide ranging both geographically and musically..."
JG audience member in London, February 2025
With support from Bristol's own Heartwood Chorus
A 48-strong a cappella folk choir, Heartwood sings songs whose murky origins stretch back centuries and centuries. They sing songs their grannies taught them. They sing songs of rebellion, of love, of war, of sex, of death, of the turning of the seasons.
Their voices come together to make a powerful sound which can be, by turns, huge or delicate. Original arrangements, quality singing and a singular vision are quickly transforming this choir from its origins as a community project into artists in their own right on the UK folk scene.
Workshop with Polina Shepherd
Slavic Voices workshop is open to all. Come and learn some songs from Slavic Voices’ repertoire, ranging from ancient Slavic pagan ritual songs to a Macedonian ballad and a classical Orthodox score. Teaching both by ear and with sheet music. Participants will have the option of joining Slavic Voices choir in concert.
Led by Slavic Voices choir director Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd, granddaughter of a Cossack, an internationally acclaimed performer, educator and cultural activist. Originally from Siberia, Polina now lives in Brighton. She grew up singing at family gatherings where she accompanied her grandfather, a WWII veteran and her whole Cossack / Jewish family from the age of seven. Since moving to the UK in 2003 Polina has been performing, teaching, composing and touring with various projects internationally.
“Polina is a brilliant and talented teacher and coach... We all learned and sang with new freedom; we were encouraged to create harmonies, and together made music that I suspect was only possible due to Polina.”
Carol D, residential workshop participant
“Most enthusiastic and inspiring. Also extremely knowledgeable – not only about music. A great introduction to Slavic culture…”
BW, workshop participant
”Polina's an expert and experienced choir leader and her enthusiasm for choral singing is infectious.”
NK, workshop participant
“Wonderful music from some very unique genres, much of which has been new to me. Polina’s style of teaching and selection of music have provided an amazing opportunity to listen and learn from an incredibly talented musician.”
NT, online workshop participant
TICKET PRICES
£38/28/18 workshop and concert
£20/15/10 workshop or concert only
TIMINGS
Workshop
12–2pm, in the undercroft
Concert
3–5pm, doors open at 2.30pm. Including interval with refreshments.
Children
Children under 14 are welcome to attend for free with a responsible adult.
Entry requirements: no age restrictions
Other a cappella gigs
