About this program
First and third Thursday of the month
7:00-8:30pm
$50 Single session
$180 Block of 4 sessions (Purchase here) (opens in a new tab)
Museum Members receive a 20% discount to both
Not a member? Join today!
The Mediterranean Orchestra at Sandy Spring is an exciting new project taking place under the direction of award-winning musician Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis, an internationally recognized performer, researcher, and teacher. One of the first ensembles of its kind in the Washington, D.C. region, the orchestra meets bimonthly to study and play music from Greece and the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Near East.
Unlike a traditional orchestra, this ensemble performs music that is rarely heard in orchestral settings. Drawing from centuries-old musical traditions, participants will discover beautiful melodies, distinctive rhythms, and expressive modal music while applying the instrumental skills they already have to an exciting new repertoire. Whether you play a Western classical instrument or a traditional Mediterranean instrument, this is an opportunity to experience music that is both artistically rewarding and culturally enriching.
Sessions operate like group lessons: each one represents an opportunity to learn, practice, and play together under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Dr. Koliavasilis welcomes musicians to participate as schedules allow.
Call for Musicians
Be part of this exciting new project! All instrumentalists, including youth, are welcome. Interested musicians may simply reserve a seat and bring their instrument. The orchestra is especially seeking players of the violin, viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, guitar, banjo, oud, bouzouki, lyra, laouto, and saz, as well as percussion instruments.
The orchestra meets bimonthly at Sandy Spring Museum. Music will be provided.
What to Bring
Musicians should bring their instrument, a music stand, a binder for their music, and a pencil or pen for taking notes.
Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis is an internationally recognized performer, educator, researcher, and master teacher specializing in the musical traditions of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. A recipient of the 2025 Maryland Heritage Award, he has spent decades performing, presenting, and teaching across the United States as well as internationally.
The Mediterranean Orchestra at Sandy Spring brings together musicians of all ages and experience levels to explore the rich musical traditions of the Mediterranean and its neighboring regions. Rooted in the idea that music is a powerful way to connect cultures and communities, the orchestra welcomes players of both traditional and Western string instruments to learn, collaborate, and create music together.
Photography credit: Patricia Rader
This event takes place at Willow Grove Cultural Commons. Willow Grove Cultural Commons is part of the Sandy Spring Museum’s main building, but has its own entrance. From the parking lot, proceed past the museum’s front door down the cement walkway until you reach the red stone plaza.
Sandy Spring Museum, Inc. is supported in part by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), the Montgomery County Government, and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.