Svetlana Shmulyian

Svetlana is a vocalist, songwriter, and arranger from New York with the sound that has at once tenderness, warmth, soulfulness and vulnerability, as well as unexpected edge and power of a seasoned vocalist. She earned an MA from the Manhattan School of Music in 2015, where she studied vocal performance with Theo Bleckmen, Gretchen Parlato, and Kate McGherry, and composition and arranging with James McNeely and Phil Markowitz. With sold out shows as a band-leader at such legendary New York venues as BB Kings, City Winery, Kitano Jazz, Zinc Bar, Drom, Barbes, 92nd Street Y, Rockwood Music Hall, and large scale swing dance and underground speakeasy events, Svetlana has earned accolades from jazz musicians, audiences and press alike with her poised and charming stage presence, luscious vocals and strong musicianship. As a band leader, Svetlana has performed with many acclaimed jazz musicians, most notably, guitarists Randy Johnson & James Chirillo, trombonist & vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, and pianists Gordon Webster & John Webber. She also maintains a busy performance schedule appearing as a side-person in performances with groups ranging from big bands to pop, gypsy swing, klezmer, 100-person gospel choir, experimental electronic projects and small jazz ensembles, in the venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Carnegie Hall, LePoisson Rouge, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, National Yiddish Theatre and more.