Eastern Mediterranean Ensemble

Would you like to take a musical journey across the Eastern Mediterranean? At De Molen ArtHouse we are starting a brand-new ensemble course. It’s a 10-week cycle of group sessions which will explore the rich traditions of music from Greece, Turkey, the Balkans and the Arab world.

Sessions are 2-hours long and include:

• A short introduction to the cultural and historical background of the repertoire.

• Exploration of maqam (modal systems), rhythms and forms that shape this music.

• Learning the melody, harmony, and rhythmic parts according to the instruments in the group.

• Opportunities for improvisation and ornamentation in the style of the tradition.

• Playing together as an ensemble, developing listening skills and musical interaction.

The course is open to all melodic and rhythmic instruments, as well as vocalists. Ideal instruments for this setting would be guitar, oud, bouzouki, kemenche, violin, cello, double bass, clarinet, ney, kanun, accordion, percussion (frame drums, darbuka, riq, bendir, etc.). This is an opportunity not only to learn beautiful traditional music, but also to connect with others, discover new sounds, and experience the joy of creating music together.

Please note, that participants should bring their own instrument and be familiar with it (basic technique and scales).

The lessons will be given in English.