Spyros Koliavasilis, a Musical Tour
of Ancient and Modern Greece ​

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 8:00pm

 

Spyros Koliavasilis is a master vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and luthier, internationally recognized for his expertise in traditional Greek music. A native of Attiki, Greece, he began his music career on oboe and bassoon before discovering his passion for instruments like the oud, Cappadocian lyre, and over 20 other fretted and fretless instruments.

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His focus lies in Rebetika, Smyrneika, and the music of Asia Minor (Mikrasia), blending tradition with genres like ethno-jazz and world music. An expert in Makam Theory and modular scales, he performs and teaches Taksimia (Greek improvisation) and has conducted extensive research on early Greek composers and singers.

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Spyros has lived in the U.S. for 15 years and is widely recognized as a Master of Greek Traditional Music. His accolades include the 2025 Maryland Heritage Award, multiple Maryland State Arts Council Apprenticeship Awards, and performances for major institutions like the Greek Archdiocese, Library of Congress, and the Embassies of Greece, Cyprus, and the EU.

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He performs with numerous ensembles, including Melos, Mortes, Karpouzi Trio, DC Café Aman, Trela, and Tri-Oud, with new projects always in progress. Passionate about preserving musical heritage, he has taught hundreds of students for over 20 years and offers instruction in over 20 traditional instruments at his Germantown, MD studio. As a luthier, he restores and customizes instruments for modern and traditional players alike.