Events
Klezmer Music, Yiddish Song and their cultural neighbours.
Merlin Shepherd, Polina Shepherd, Sasha Lurje, Craig Judelman.
Hear the songs and instrumental music of eastern Europe, mingled with modern music traditions. Four of the world’s leading exponents in Yiddish instrumental and vocal music come together for an evening of songs, stories and culture. Hailing from the UK, Latvia, USA and Tatarstan, this motley band of Yiddishists bring, voices, violin, clarinets and piano to make a varied and exciting collaborative programme. Yiddish songs of lament, yearning, love and spirituality. Instrumental tunes comprising of dances, sacred tunes, and ritual music.
Sasha Lurje (Latvia/Germany – vocals, poyk) is a Berlin based singer who has performed and taught Yiddish singing throughout Europe and The Americas. Her knowledge of traditional song, diverse vocal techniques and genres inform her performances. Her work includes projects ranging from Yiddish progressive rock, cabaret, traditional Yiddish music and historic recreations. Sasha is a co-founder of Shtetl Berlin and Seattle Yiddish Fest.
Craig Judelman (USA/Germany – violin) is a fiddler, composer and educator on both sides of the Atlantic. His background in classical music and composition, combined with decades of immersion in American ‘Old Time’ music cultivated a unique perspective on Klezmer fiddling. Since moving to Berlin in 2017 he has developed a singular voice in the klezmer scene. He has taught or performed at many of the major klezmer festivals.
Merlin Shepherd (UK – clarinets) has been a fixture of the international Yiddish/Klezmer scene as a player, educator and composer for over three decades. One of the first to play on period clarinets, Merlin has broken new ground in stylistically and historically informed playing. Merlin has also worked as Music Director with several of the UK’s leading theatre companies including The RSC, National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and most recently at The Menier Chocolate Factory.
Polina Shepherd (Tatarstan/UK – vocals, piano) is a composer, performer and educator originally from Russia, now living in Brighton. She performs solo, collaborates with ensembles, soloists and choirs internationally. Her composition is focused on East European styles influenced by classical and folk music. She’s written over 120 compositions; music for theatre, choirs, settings for Yiddish poems, several vocal cycles, many of which have been commissioned and performed all over the world.
Doors open 12.45pm, Music starts 2.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
