BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) announced on February 10 that Dr. Spyridon Koliavasilis has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Heritage Award for his extraordinary contributions to traditional arts. This honor represents Maryland’s highest recognition for individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
Dr. Koliavasilis, a distinguished vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, is a passionate advocate for traditional Greek music. While his musical versatility enables a diverse repertoire of genres and he performs a diverse cross-section of music, including world music, Greek island, Laika and entechno music, his passion lies in Rebetiko and the music of Asia Minor (Smyrneika).
Dr. Koliavasilis’ award is an exceptional honor for the Greek and Greek-American community in Maryland and the greater Washington, DC-Metropolitan area. Born in the Attica region of Greece, Koliavasilis has been a resident of Maryland for 15 years during which he has been promoting, performing, and teaching traditional Greek music and instruments. He is devoted to preserving and teaching traditional Greek music and founded the Mediterranean Notes Music School, where he has taught hundreds of students singing, canto, music theory, and more than 18 instruments, including bouzouki, laouto, lyra (Cappadocian, Politiki, Cretan, Pontian), baglama, and lavta. He enjoys restoring traditional and old instruments and customizing modern instruments to each player’s needs.
His mantra, “passing and sharing the tradition” is present in all his endeavors whether teaching or performing. His other mantra, “Music Unites,” encapsulates his belief in the power of music to bridge cultural divides. He is dedicated to music teaching and community building and welcomes students of all ages, races, nationalities, and ethnicities.
His efforts were also recognized in August 2024, when Dr. Koliavasilis was commended by the State of Maryland for a third time as a Master of Greek traditional music with the Master/Apprentice grant, celebrating his invaluable role as a Master Teacher and in preserving and passing along the rich heritage of Greek Traditional Music.
The Heritage Award, presented as part of Maryland Traditions, embodies the essence of the state’s cultural vibrancy and diversity. This year, the Arts Council recognized six winners who exemplify the rich tapestry of Maryland’s traditions. “This year’s Heritage Award winners demonstrate that Maryland’s cultural fabric is made up of traditions from around the corner and around the world,” remarked MSAC Chair Ruby Lopez Harper.
Describing what makes him stand out as a Greek musician in the United States, Dr. Koliavasilis explained: “I perform for Greeks and Greek-Americans, but my audience is also non-Greeks. My concerts always have a theme and an educational component. I try to be a cultural ambassador, a musician and artist who invites non-Greeks to share our culture and educate people about our heritage and music. I also collaborate with musicians from other cultures. I am regularly invited to play not only at Greek festivals but also at Folk Festivals to represent traditional Greek music.”
Dr. Koliavasilis further explained his passion for traditional music, stating: “My mission is to be an educator and to share the music and the culture. This is why I play. I revived instruments that were lost, such as the Cappadocian lyra, and performed it at the U.S. Library of Congress and other major events.”
Dr. Koliavasilis has captivated audiences with his performances at esteemed venues such as the U.S. Library of Congress, Hill Center, Creative Cauldron Theater, universities, museums, and embassies. Dr. Koliavasilis’ recognition honors his achievements but also shines a spotlight on the significance of traditional Greek music in the local community, inspiring younger generations to embrace and perpetuate these vital cultural legacies. For example, with Rebetiko celebrated as a cultural gem under UNESCO protection, Dr. Koliavasilis’ unique concert called The Rebetiko Project, which entertains and educates about the Rebetiko music and culture and society from approximately 1920 to 1960, exemplifies the vital role of musicians and educators in preserving and revitalizing this rich heritage for future generations.
For more information about Dr. Koliavasilis, visit: www.SpyrosKoliavasilisMusic.com and for information about the Maryland Heritage Award, please visit: https://shorturl.at/UMW8N.
