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, an upcoming concert, and educational programs and workshops.
‘The Soul of Greece: Songs of Vassilis Tsitsanis’, a concert celebrating the life, music, and enduring legacy of Vassilis Tsitsanis (1915-1984), one of Greece’s most influential composers and the architect of modern Greek urban folk music, takes place Saturday, September 12, 7 PM.
Whether discovering rebetiko for the first time or returning to songs you have loved for years, this event, endorsed by the Embassy of Greece in Washington, DC, brings to life the history, culture, and spirit of Greek music. Join us in the beautiful, intimate setting of Hill Chapel in historic New Market, MD. Seating is limited.
Purchase tickets online: SpyrosKoliavasilisMusic.com
For those out of the area who cannot make it, contact Dr. Koliavasilis about bringing this concert to your community.
Mediterranean Notes Music School News
The Music School is now located in Baltimore County and is accepting new students for the fall with a broader and more flexible schedule. Students of all ages, from young children to teenagers to adults are accepted. 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: https://spyroskoliavasilismusic.com/lessons/ or email: [email protected].
Spyros Koliavasilis will be performing in ‘The Soul of Greece: Songs of Vassilis Tsitsanis’, a concert celebrating the life, music, and enduring legacy of Vassilis Tsitsanis, on September 12. Photo: Courtesy of Spyros Koliavasilis
New Programs Starting September
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 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. There are two levels: Group 1 for youth and beginners and Group 2 for Intermediate and Advanced students. “We have a wonderful repertoire of Greek traditional music, beloved songs from the Mediterranean region and around the Balkans, and much more,” Koliavasilis said.
Sign up online for the Mediterranean Orchestra at Sandy Spring: https://shorturl.at/8tawz
Music Workshop Series
Starting in September, Koliavasilis offers monthly workshops ranging from Rebetiko educational and playing sessions to improvisation workshops and an Oud Master Class. The first workshop is ‘The Art of Greek Rebetiko: History, Performance, and Interpretation of Greece’s Urban Folk Music’. Many workshops are planned. Register online: https://shorturl.at/avkMa.
Heritage Award Update
“I am honored for this short documentary film,” said Koliavasilis. “I hope you all like it. To do this work for so many years as I have requires love for the music and tradition and support from many people (music team, luthiers, students, colleagues). None of this could have been possible without the hard work of my manager and the friends and musicians and students who participated. I am grateful for all of you that joined us for the filming, and to the Arts Council and the amazing film crew.”
View the film online: https://shorturl.at/KO63r.
