BALTIMORE, MD – Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis, distinguished vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, passionate advocate for traditional Greek music, and recipient of the 2025 Maryland Heritage Award, shared an update with The National Herald on his music, upcoming concerts, educational programs and workshops.
On Thursday, October 22, 6:30 PM, a special workshop for musicians: Greek/Eastern Makam Meets Jazz Improvisation, asks “What happens when two great traditions of improvisation meet?”
Dr. Koliavasilis and guest presenter, jazz guitarist Gary Prince, present a special musicians’ workshop exploring improvisation through two distinct musical languages: Eastern/Greek makam and Western jazz.
Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis and guest presenter, jazz guitarist Gary Prince, present a special musicians’ workshop exploring improvisation through Eastern/Greek makam and Western jazz on October 22. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis
Drawing from their respective traditions, Koliavasilis and Prince will explore how musicians develop melodic ideas, create expression, and make musical choices in the moment.
Bringing the two traditions side by side, the workshop invites participants to hear and explore where their approaches differ— and where unexpected connections emerge.
Through demonstration, discussion, and guided playing, participants will explore these ideas directly with two accomplished musicians offering distinctly different perspectives on the art of improvisation.
Designed for instrumentalists with an established foundation on their instrument, the workshop will be especially relevant to musicians in jazz, classical, Greek and Eastern Mediterranean traditions, and other forms of traditional and world music.
Space is limited. Advance registration is encouraged.
Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis
Bring your instrument— and come ready to listen, experiment, and discover.
Register at SandySpringMuseum.org
Mediterranean Orchestra
Be part of something new! Starting this fall on Thursday evenings at the Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD, the Mediterranean Orchestra under Dr. Koliavasilis’ direction will hold regular rehearsals. They are currently accepting musicians on a variety of instruments— bouzouki, oud, laouto, guitar, mandolin, lyra, violin, cello, banjo, percussion, and more!
The Orchestra has a wonderful repertoire of Greek traditional music, beloved songs from the Mediterranean region and around the Balkans, and much more.
The next session is Thursday, October 15, 7-8:30 PM.
Sign up now: Mediterranean Orchestra at Sandy Spring
Mediterranean Notes Music School News
The Music School, located in Baltimore County, is accepting new students for the fall with a broader and more flexible schedule.
Lessons are for students of all ages, from young children to teenagers to adults. There is never a wrong time to develop or improve your music skills. For students of all levels, beginners, advanced, and Master levels, and offered in-person or online.
Visit the Mediterranean Music School Web Page or email: [email protected].
Many different kind of instruments are available for sale for new and returning students, including mandola, oud, bouzouki, and more.
Calender of Events
- October 15: Mediterranean Orchestra Rehearsal – Register
- October 22: Music Workshop: The Art of Improvisation in Eastern & Western Music – Register
- November 14: Reimagining World Music, Concert featuring Spyros Koliavasilis and guest Gary Prince, Tickets: Sandy Spring Museum.
