Mediterranean Orchestra Classes at Sandy Spring

Mediterranean Orchestra Classes at Sandy Spring is a collaborative music program led by award-winning musician Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis. Participants of all ages and experience levels study and perform traditional music from Greece, the wider Mediterranean, Europe, and the Near East in a group-lesson setting.

The ensemble welcomes both Western classical and traditional-instrument players. Sessions focus on distinctive melodies, rhythms, and modal music that is rarely explored in conventional orchestral settings, giving musicians the opportunity to learn new repertoire, practice together, and build connections across cultures. Participants may attend as their schedules allow, and music will be provided.

When: November 5 through December 17, 2026

Showtimes: November 5, November 19, December 3, and December 17, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 for a single session or $180 for a block of four sessions. Sandy Spring Museum members receive 20% off both options.

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 in the United States and internationally for decades.

Participants: Musicians of all ages and skill levels are welcome, including youth. The program is suitable for players of Western classical instruments as well as traditional Mediterranean instruments.

Instruments of Interest: The orchestra is especially seeking violin, viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, guitar, banjo, oud, bouzouki, lyra, laouto, saz, and percussion players.

What to Bring: Your instrument, a music stand, a binder for music, and a pencil or pen for notes.

Venue: Willow Grove Cultural Commons at Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860. Willow Grove is located within the museum’s main building but has a separate entrance. From the parking lot, walk past the museum’s front door along the cement walkway to the red stone plaza.

Parking: Free parking is available.

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

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