The Yaroslavl Choir

Based in Neuchâtel, the Yaroslavl Choir was founded in 2008 by Yan Greppin. Specialising in Orthodox chant, this variable-geometry ensemble has built up a repertoire drawn exclusively from the religious traditions of Eastern Europe.

Made up of professionals and amateurs of the highest calibre, the ensemble has between eighteen and twenty-four singers, as well as experienced soloists, all of whom put their talents to the service of the rich liturgical tradition of Russia, Georgia, Greece and Romania. To these are added Byzantine and Orthodox chants, traditional choirs from sacred festivals (Easter, Christmas, Vespers, etc.), monastery chants and even melodies from the Russian Orthodox tradition.
monastery chants, and even melodies from different regions of the Balkans.

The Yaroslavl Choir also performs religious works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Arvo Pärt and Schnitke. To help him bring this ambitious programme to fruition, Yan Greppin has appointed mezzosoprano Véronique Hammann as co-director. She has been the choir's soloist since 2012, but is also a pianist (a pupil of Marc Pantillon) and founder of the Linya youth choir.
Since it was founded, the ensemble has performed throughout Switzerland and abroad (France, England, Belgium), taking part in musical events such as the Schubertiades, Notes d'Equinoxe and the 20Heures de Romont, to name but a few.

The Ukraine and the Balkan countries (Greece, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria) have a wealth of popular and religious Advent and Christmas songs, often sung door-to-door in the streets by small groups of children. The Yaroslavl ensemble, accompanied by soloists, will present some of the most beautiful works from South-East Europe, sung by candlelight. Audiences will discover Shedrik or Dors Jésus dors from the Ukraine, the Three Kings from Romania and the traditional Greek Quarante Jours.