The Yale Slavic Chorus is a performance group comprised of women from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds who share a common passion for Slavic music. The Chorus sings a diverse repertoire that spans the traditions of Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia, among others. Though many members of the Chorus are not native speakers of Slavic languages, the Yale Slavic Chorus works extensively with native folk musicians and vocalists to practice accurate pronunciation and style.

Although primarily an undergraduate group, the Slavs, as we are affectionately known around Yale’s campus, also include other members of the Yale community. The Slavic Chorus has always been dedicated to maintaining musical vigor and excellence, seeking to empower women through song.

If you would like to make a donation to the Yale Slavic Chorus, please click below!
All donations are appreciated and help the chorus in funding workshops and musical study tours.

Recent Press:

• We made Macedonian press! Check out our performance for President Gjorge Ivanov. (2014)
• Read the Yale Daily News | WEEKEND article about the Slavs published in March 2012.
• Spot us on the list of “100 Things that are Actually Cool at Yale” in the Bullblog Top 100! (2011)

The Slavs in the Republic of Georgia!

A Brief History

The Chorus was founded in 1969, the first year of undergraduate co-education at Yale, and was the first all-women’s group on Campus.  It was originally conducted by William Robbins, Jr., then a music major in Yale College and a member of the all-male Yale Russian Chorus. In 2015, the Chorus celebrated our 45th anniversary with a reunion concert that drew alumnae from all across the globe.

Our Method and Music

We are an entirely student-run, student-directed ensemble. We transcribe and arrange much of our own music, but are always looking for new songs to sing. We also learn much of our music via an oral tradition and by listening to original source recordings. During our performances, we strive to maintain the original mode of presentation, which often includes dissonant harmonies, unusual rhythms, and distinctive vocal qualities which make Slavic and Eastern European music unique and exciting. We have also begun incorporating more traditional folk dances into our performances.

Amanda Crego-Emley and Charlotte Finegold