Spain, GRANADA - Transcendental Songs for the Soul, Polina Shepherd, , 04 Jul 2015
Release your creativity through transcendental songs, syllables and sound Free up your thinking and open your mind to new ways by allowing your voice to flow. Learn some beautiful old Russian harmonies and Nigunim (Jewish wordless songs) from a native leader. Allow your creativity to build new ways of being: free, non-judgemental, inspiring and exciting. The course will also include some simple circle dances. This is a rare opportunity to learn some unfamiliar, life enhancing ways of singing, based on the immensely rich traditions of eastern Europe. No previous experience in singing or of any language is necessary; open to all. Russian folk songs embrace the whole of the landscape and all of Mother Earth. This wide geographical span is present throughout the whole culture and gives the songs an extremely broad emotional depth. Large musical intervals in lyrical songs call to mind the vastness of Russian topography stretching toward a boundless horizon. In eastern folklore, each snowflake and each blade of grass embodies the spirits of nature – and this connection is felt within every song for ritual pagan holidays, circle dance, laments, wedding and lyrical songs... Nigunim are Jewish songs without words and are a part of Jewish Musical culture that enable the singer (either alone or in groups) to bring about a change in spiritual and emotional consciousness. Using healing nigunim, the participants will be invited to tap into deeply enlightening and powerful sources of personal energy, individually and collectively accessing their creativity. Each participant will find a way to express themselves through their own unique musical language. Polina Shepherd Born in Siberia, Polina Shepherd (Skovoroda) started her musical training as a child around the family table. Whilst studying at the State Academy in Russia, she toured the dark Soviet theatres and performed to Boris Yeltsin and to the World in 1998-2002. As a programme director, educator and performer she has been involved in music festivals, conferences and seminars in eastern and western Europe, the USA and Brazil. Now living in Britain and with over 20 years of professional experience, Polina leads several choirs and continues to tour internationally.
