Village Harmony, a Vermont non-profit, promotes the study and performance of ethnic singing traditions from around the world. For more than 30 years it has organized teen ensembles each summer in New England. In foreign countries it has organized ensembles for mixed-age and adult singers. Each ensemble develops its own unique sound with a different team of leaders.
Shared common traits include a powerful, natural, unrestrained vocal sound; a variety of vocal styles and timbres; and a visible, vibrant community among the singers and audience. Ensembles are not auditioned: if a singer is excited about living in a community and exploring music from around the world, they belong at Village Harmony.
The Lyceum’s ensemble is led by Lysander Jaffe, Liam Kantor, and Lexi Ugelow. Jaffe is a singer and violist who has studied in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Corsica and Caucasus Georgia. Kantor, a recent graduate of Northwestern University in ethnomusicology, focuses on New England style and Celtic fiddle music. Ugelow is a vocalist, songwriter, and music education facilitator. Her heart lies with anything a cappella.
