Mediterranean Soundscapes: Musical Crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean

Mediterranean Soundscapes: Musical Crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean is an educational, interactive workshop led by Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis. Through live performance, history, storytelling, musical analysis, and hands-on learning, the program explores the connected traditions of Greece, Turkey, the Arab World, Armenia, and the Balkans.

This is the third workshop in the Mediterranean Soundscapes series. Dr. Koliavasilis will examine how migration, trade, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration have shaped the region’s music, while highlighting both the distinctive qualities and shared roots of each tradition. Participants who play traditional Mediterranean instruments are invited to bring them and play along during demonstrations and instruction.

When: November 12, 2026

Showtimes: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday

Venue: Willow Grove Cultural Commons at Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Tickets: $50 general admission; $40 museum-member admission

Presenter: Sandy Spring Museum

Featured performer and instructor: Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis, an internationally recognized performer, educator, researcher, and master teacher specializing in Greek and Eastern Mediterranean musical traditions. He is a recipient of the 2025 Maryland Heritage Award and has performed, presented, and taught throughout the United States and internationally.

Instruments: Participants may bring traditional Mediterranean instruments, including guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, oud, violin, or other bowed instruments, to join Dr. Koliavasilis during the workshop.

Ages: The page does not specify an age restriction. Participants of all backgrounds are welcome.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.

Arrival information: Willow Grove Cultural Commons is part of the Sandy Spring Museum’s main building but has a separate entrance. From the parking lot, continue past the museum’s front door along the cement walkway to the red-stone plaza.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Contact: Sandy Spring Museum can be reached at (301) 774-0022 or yjie@sandyspringmuseum.org.