Enchanted Songs of the Slavic Soul: A Vocal Workshop with Polina Shepherd

The Kitka Institute and Glenview Classical Series present
Enchanted Songs of the Slavic Soul

Join internationally acclaimed performer and educator Polina Skovoroda-Shepherd for an immersive vocal journey into the heart of Eastern Europe. This workshop goes beyond mere singing; it is an exploration of the "Slavic Soul"—a cultural space existing between life and death, the earthly and the divine.

Participants will engage with a diverse repertoire that spans the vastness of the Slavic world:

• Ritual & Pagan Songs: Celebrate the turning of the seasons and connection to the spirits of nature—where every blade of grass has a voice.

• Lyrical & "Drawn-out "Melodies: Experience the Protyazhnaya, songs of deep expressive power and lyrical intensity that echo the boundless horizon of the steppes.

• Dance & Community Songs: From gritty folklore to vibrant circle dances that foster communal joy and resilience.

• The Intersection of Cultures: Discover the Macaronic songs of Yiddish culture—fascinating musical hybrids where Yiddish meets Ukrainian, Russian, and Belorussian influences, reflecting the shared history of the steppes and the shtetl.

Led by , a composer and choir leader raised in a Cossack/Jewish family in Tatarstan, this workshop utilizes her specially developed teaching methods. You will explore ornamentation, modal experimentation, and the specific "East European sound" in a way that is both free and focused.

Whether you are a professional singer or a "home singer" who has never joined a choir, you will be guided by ear to find a new flow for your voice—one that is inspiring, exciting, and deeply rooted in heritage.
This workshop will take place in Nelligan Hall, downstairs at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oakland's Glenview District.
Workshop Tuition: Suggested donation $30 per person. Please consider a more generous pay-it-forward donation if you are able, otherwise, pay what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds but a donation (even a small one) is required to secure your spot.
Polina will offer a concert performance on Sunday evening, April 12 at 7:30pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church as part of the Glenview Concert Series is a special shared program with Greek vocalist and weaver Phoebe Vlassis, joined by members of Kitka. To register for the workshop, attend the concert and receive a $5 discount, select the Workshop + Concert package at check out.

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Host or Publisher Kitka Institute