Internationally acclaimed performer, composer and educator. He has developed a special method of teaching Jewish instrumentalists by ear, which has influenced many teacher's practises throughout the world.
Has been Musical Director for The Royal National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London. He was also Klezmer Advisor for the Royal Shakespeare Company for their 1992 production of Anski’s  “The Dybbuk”.

He works as Music Co-ordinator for KlezKamp, KlezFest London and taught at KlezFest St Petersburg, KlezFest Ukraine and KlezKanada. He is one of the world's leading players of traditional East European Klezmer Clarinet style, and apart from his own ensembles he has worked and toured throughout Britain and Europe with Budowitz, Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars and the Burning Bush.

Performed the world premiere of “Kol Simcha” by Adam Gorb for London Musici. Composed scores for numerous dance and theatre companies. International performances, television and radio appearances with New Presumption, Merlin Shepherd Klezmer Trio, RNT. Leads The Merlin Shepherd Kapelye featuring The Former Soviet Union Klezmer Allstars that perform Merlin’s compositions in traditional and new klezmer style. Also leads the Merlin Shepherd Quartet, the smaller more intimate version of his Kapelye.

Merlin also works with Polina Shepherd as The Sound & Light Cinematic Duo, playing to the Yuri Morozov Collection of B&W silent Jewish films made in Kiev from 1908-1945.

Merlin is currently working on a new remix CD of his latest compositions, featuring Smadj, Mercan Dede, Dj ClicK, DJ Shazam and many other world leading remixers…

>> www.merlinshepherd.co.uk