Staff Highlight on Gregory Shifrin – Written by Lynn Kendall

Those of us who attend Sunday worship services have come to know the excellence of the music that is part of our Sunday experience, particularly that of our accompanist, Gregory Shifrin. But who is that man behind the keys? It’s time to get to know him a little better.

Gregory grew up in Moscow under the influence of his father’s pianistic talents. Although Gregory began studying piano at the age of five, his love of the instrument began much earlier, when at only two years old, he would hide under the baby grand in his family’s apartment while his father played. It has always felt to him that he simply had a natural affinity for this complex instrument.

He left Russia at age 19 to spend 15 years in Israel before finally getting a green card that enabled him to come to the United States. It was not long after his arrival here that he found work with Bart Bradfield’s vocal ensembles at Columbia College and then came to UCE in 2007. Not only did the work of accompanying and presenting solo pieces provide gratifying work for him, but the tenets of UU fit complemented his background in Reformed Judaism.

There is much that goes on behind the scene in preparing for each Sunday’s service. Gregory consults with the ministers on the theme of the service and within that, the topic of the sermon. Unless a specific piece of music is requested of him, it is his job to select compositions that complement the mood of the service, are appropriate for each part of the service, and fit the time allotted for each one. Though he might be familiar with a particular work, it’s not a given that Gregory knows it well enough to play it. That means he also devotes time to practice in preparing for each Sunday. All of this is in addition to his valuable contribution to choir rehearsals each week. Ask any choir member, and you’ll certainly be told how difficult it would be to try working without him. His quick sense of humor also compliments that of both the director and members of the choir.

Gregory’s favorite music to play are the Romantic composers, including the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. When not at the keyboard, Gregory enjoys reading and working out. He has a twin brother who, although a flutist, has not followed a musical career. His two sons are both young adults now, bringing Gregory and his wife ever closer to being empty nesters.

Perhaps the most gratifying part of his work at UCE is the validation and appreciation of the congregation for his contribution to our congregational life. I’m sure everyone joins me in continuing to applaud him — with our hands, words and hearts.