Shir is a London based quartet specializing in Jewish music from Eastern Europe and Israel.

The group was formed in 1997 by Maurice Chernick and is rapidly becoming a major force on the UK Jewish music scene performing in concerts and fulfilling the original function of the Klezmorim – entertaining at Simchas (Jewish parties)

Coming from different musical backgrounds (classical, jazz and gypsy folk)

the four musicians of Shir meet to provide a spontaneous, energetic and soulful

musical experience.

Shir attempt to be as true as possible to the original sound of the Klezmorim

using acoustic instruments and drawing on the original Klezmer, Traditional and Yiddish repertoire, while at the same time catering for more "up to date" tastes in

Jewish music with popular Israeli folk and dance tunes.

Maurice Chernick (Clarinet, Saxophone, Voice) was born in Manchester and grew up in Liverpool.

He has been playing the clarinet since the age of 12 and is a graduate (BA Music) of University College, Cardiff.

Maurice has worked extensively as a musician and actor in theatre and TV, composing music and lyrics, has written several musicals including A Midsummer Nights Dream and Trojan Women, and is Director of the New North London Choir.

He taught music at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet and is currently Head of Music at Southgate School. London.

Piotr Jordan (Violin) was born and brought up in Lodz, Poland and started playing the violin at age 6. After studying at the Warsaw Conservatory he moved to Prague.

He has lived and worked in England as a professional violinist since 1994 playing in numerous bands in a variety of styles ranging from Hot Club Jazz to Gaelic to Hungarian Gypsy music.

Piotr performs on recording sessions and is a full-time tutor at the East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO)

Ivor Goldberg (Guitar, Voice) grew up in North West London, emigrated to Israel as a teenager and went on to serve in the Israeli Army in the Southern Command Entertainments Troupe.

He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music (Boston, U.S.A.) and has been a professional musician in London since 1984.

Ivor has written music for numerous TV programmes and adverts and has played in a variety of settings – recording sessions with Dusty Springfield, and Jazz Fusion with Shakatak and Roadside Picnic.

Ivor is an experienced music teacher and was Music Director at the London Music School.

Steve Rose (Acoustic Bass) was born in England and is a

Performing Arts graduate of Middlesex University. An accomplished pianist as well as bassist, he has worked with top names in both the Jazz and Pop worlds.

He is a member of the Jonathan Gee Trio with whom he has recorded 3 albums and has accompanied Jazz greats Joe Lovano and Benny Golson.

As a Composer he has written music for film and TV and has composed and played for leading contemporary dance companies such as London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Amici, The David Glass Ensemble and Candoco.

This was the CD that won the highest praise ("I’d go and hear them if I could") in terms of authenticity, innovation, virtuosity (especially the clarinettist – lovely tone) and versatility of sound. The arrangement of "Der Heyser Bulgar" was technically interesting and full of tuneful energy, and we particularly liked the string bass. Good for dancing, too. "My Yiddishe Mama" was performed in a rumba rhythm, and again felt like a dance tune.