Lost Polyphonies

The Demestvo vocal ensemble (Princeton University, USA) presents the program “Lost Polyphonies” — a concert that explores the oldest traditions of European vocal polyphony alongside modern works inspired by these chants.

The program includes music from Byzantium, Georgia, Spain, France, England, Ukraine, and Russia, featuring newly transcribed chants that haven’t been performed in over 300 years.
Alongside these historical pieces, Demestvo will perform new works by Princeton composers Lucy McKnight and Caroline Shaw.

The name Demestvo is derived from a Slavic tradition of polyphonic chant. The ensemble was founded by soprano and musicology PhD candidate Anastasia Shmitova as part of her dissertation on medieval Slavic chant and early polyphony.

Demestvo’s mission is to bring the unique sound of this forgotten music to modern audiences.

The concert will also feature singers from the local Ursa Major Choir.

Age restriction: 6+