Link to RSVP to the workshop > https://forms.gle/joomp7jcjaYM7kux5 (free tickets for the concert only above)

Polina Shepherd is a composer, performer, educator and cultural activist originally from Siberia. She grew up in Tatarstan singing at gatherings where she accompanied her whole Cossack / Jewish family and community from the age of seven. Her singing, based on traditional forms, cuts a sound deeply rooted in east European Jewish and Russian folklore. Growing up in Tatarstan also placed her close to Islamic ornamentation and timbre, which can be heard in her unique East European vocal style.

Since 2021, Polina has served as the Artistic Director of the Caravan Orchestra and Choir, a cross-cultural initiative that brings together around 40 young musicians from Israel, Palestine and Germany to explore East European Jewish (Yiddish), East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music traditions. Her multi-lingual and multi-cultural style explores themes of deep humanity & spirituality, and exemplifies how communal singing can preserve heritage, promote unity & build community.

Participants in the Ballads of Eastern Europe workshop will perform in a concert, open to the public. The Headfirst tickets above express interest to the concert only, not the workshop. Find the workshop sign-up form at the top of this text.

Concert info:

A mixture of original, classical and folk songs mainly in Yiddish with a few visits to cultural neighbours. Her unique style and repertoire, based on traditional forms, cuts a sound deeply rooted in East European folklore. This multi-faceted weave of songs will present a few ballads, drinking songs and grandparents’ tales mixed with some sweet, dreamy folklore plus a few songs for the audience to join in.

Polina Shepherd presents Ballads of Eastern Europe (Concert) is part of En Masse’s 2025 Community and Arts Programme. This free-to-attend programme aims to enhance access to creative opportunities in Bristol, empower a diverse range of individuals to pursue creative careers, and nurture Bristol’s independent arts ecosystem by making it more connected and resilient.

Venue access:

Unfortunately Café Kino's basement, where this workshop will take place, is not fully accessible as it is down a narrow flight of stairs.

Disclaimer: Signing up gauges interest and does not guarantee entry. There are a limited number of places for this event. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Entry requirements: 16+ — Read more — Read less