East of the River

East of the River, founded by internationally-renowned recorder players Nina Stern and Daphna Mor, explores the timeless gems of the Medieval European classical repertory together with virtuosic and haunting melodies of the traditions of the Middle East, Armenia, North Africa and the Balkans. East of the River’s music is arranged and interpreted by musicians whose backgrounds include classical, jazz and folk traditions. The ensemble has performed in venues throughout the US and New York City.

Recorder

As a Recorder player Daphna has been active as a concert and concerto soloist, ensemble and orchestral player, and teacher of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque repertoire (see About for more information).

Daphna currently tours with Martha McGaughey, Arthur Hass, and Daniel S. Lee. Their current program is “Masters of the Baroque” featuring Instrumental Sonatas, Trio Sonatas and Solo repertoire.

Piyut

Daphna performs, curates concerts, leads services and teaches workshops of Piyutim (liturgical poetry) centered on the global music of the Jewish people. First composed in Israel in the first centuries CE, the Piyut is a living tradition of the Jewish communities who are varied in their rich traditions, customs and melodies. Daphna’s 12 years residency at Bnai Jeshurun Synagogue in NYC as well as her Sephardi heritage inspired her research and performance of this repertoire. She currently serves as the Music Director and co-leader at Beineinu,com (www.beineinu.com)

Tres Hermanicas

Tres Hermanicas, a new ensemble of singers and instrumentalists formed by Shira Kammen, Daphna Mor, and Nell Snaidas. The ensemble plays with a colorful mix of Western and Middle-Eastern influences, and shares the love for the gorgeous Sephardic Music repertoire as well as the delight and challenge of the art of improvisation and interpretation, making each performance a celebratory unique experience. 

Tres Hermanicas brings the depth and sweetness of the songs of the Sephardim to the concert stage. This astonishing musical heritage, filled with tales of exile and courtship, family life, expressed in infectious rhythm and haunting melodies has been preserved for over five hundred years by oral tradition, primarily by the women of the culture. Telling the stories of the Sephardim, our program celebrates the beautiful, poetic Ladino repertoire, both sacred and secular, including: romanzas (ballads of love, loss and adventure), piyyutim (lyrical embellishments of prayers), and koplas (strophic festival songs).

Tres Hermanicas made it’s debut at Indianapolis Early Music Festival in June 2019 with guests musicians Zafir Tawil, oud;  Karim Sulayman, tenor and Rex Benincasa, percussion.