Ashkenazim

Vocal quartet Ashkenazim sings Jewish music a cappella and also performs with ensembles and orchestras. Their repertoire mostly consists of their original compositions for Yiddish poems, folk songs in Yiddish, klezmer music, niggunim (tunes). Their sideline (a separate programme) is Russian folk songs.

Although classical in its composition, the quartet are aiming for a folk sound. A special manner of performing, traditional instrumental styles copied by the voices, form the unique Ashkenazim style. A style which is recognisable from the first few bars.

Since their beginning in 2001 they"ve performed in dozens of cities of the Former Soviet Union, USA, Canada and Europe, and recorded 3 CDs.

The group:

• Polina Shepherd (Brighton, UK) – leader, composer; vocals/ soprano, piano, accordion.
• Yana Ovrutskaya (Moscow, Russia) – vocals/ alto
• Evgenia Slavina (Moscow, Russia), also Alina Ivakh (Moscow, Russia) – vocals/ alto
• Merlin Shepherd (Brighton, UK) – vocals/ baritone, clarinets.