"World Music Reimagined" featuring Spyros Koliavasilis with Gary Prince

About this event

Directed by Spyros Koliavasilis at Willow Grove Cultural Commons

November 14, 2026, 7:30-9:00pm

$40 General Admission, $32 Museum Member Admission

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World Music Reimagined features Maryland Heritage Award–winning musician Spyros Koliavasilis , a master of the oud and the kemane (Cappadocian lyra)—a rare, nearly extinct bowed instrument virtually unheard on concert stages in this region --- in duo with jazz guitarist Gary Prince for a unique set of music from many regions and traditions, reimagined into a new program built around connection and contrast. Creative improvisations with unexpected pairings of songs, sounds and instruments reveal shared music al ideas across cultures and draw connections to contemporary styles. Koliavsilis draws on his Greek roots, years of music al life in Europe, specialization in Greek and Mediterranean region music, and influences from living in the United States, and Prince on his background in jazz and electric guitar and deep interest in Balkan and Klezmer music. The result is a deeply informed yet personal approach to music shaped by many cultures, carefully crafted, deeply human, and alive to the moment.

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.

Gary Prince is an accomplished guitarist and music educator specializing in teaching jazz, improvisation and contemporary music styles to students of all instruments and ages. Gary is currently the Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher at the Charles E Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, MD. Prior to his current role, Gary served as Jazz Program Chair and a member of the Jazz Guitar Faculty at Levine Music in Washington, DC. He is an active performer in a wide range of musical styles and holds multiple degrees from the University of Michigan including MM: Music Education, and BFA: Jazz & Contemplative Studies.

This event takes place at Willow Grove Cultural Commons. Willow Grove 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.

From Sandy Spring Museum