Arabic Music Appreciation session
Mediterranean collective presents: Arabic Music Appreciation session!
This interactive workshop offers a lively and accessible introduction to Arabic music through live performance, discussion, and hands-on exploration. Led by Camille El Feghali, participants will discover the foundations of Middle Eastern music, including maqams (melodic modes), rhythms, and key instruments. The session explores how Arabic music differs from Western traditions, while also diving into improvisation, regional variations, and the cultural contexts that shape the sound. Alongside practical demonstrations, the workshop touches on the history and evolution of Arabic music, from its ancient roots to its modern forms. Suitable for all levels, this session is designed to deepen understanding while keeping the experience engaging, musical, and immersive.
Strings of Cuba with Nikos Kapralos
Nicholas Kapralos has spent his life mastering the strings. His journey began at age 9, eventually leading him to the University of Melbourne, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar. But while his training was classical, his heart was pulled toward the vibrant rhythms of Latin America. That passion led Nicholas to Cuba, where he traveled to study directly with the masters of the Cuban Tres. Falling in love with the soulful sound of Afro-Cuban Son, he spent his time on the island learning the authentic techniques, rhythms, and history of this unique instrument. Today, Nicholas is a seasoned performer who has toured across Europe and Australia. When he isn't teaching, you can find him on stage performing with the high-energy Afro-Cuban ensemble Kekoson.
Introduction to Persian Music & the Qanun with Vahideh Eisaei
This workshop offers an intimate introduction to the expressive world of Persian classical and folk music, led by Vahideh Eisaei, a multidisciplinary artist deeply connected to her Persian heritage and shaped by contemporary artistic practice.
Centred around the qanun — a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument known for its delicate, resonant sound — the session will explore the foundations of Persian classical music while also highlighting the richness and diversity of Persian folk traditions. Participants will gain insight into the cultural and historical context of the music, as well as the unique role the qanun plays within these traditions.
Vahideh’s artistic approach blends music with poetry, voice, and storytelling, creating a reflective and immersive experience. Her work often weaves together sound, spoken word, and movement, inviting audiences into a space of contemplation and emotional connection.
The workshop will include a live performance of two contrasting pieces — one from the classical repertoire and one from the folk tradition — offering a practical demonstration of the styles discussed. Through both discussion and performance, attendees will be introduced to the nuanced textures, modes, and storytelling elements that define Persian music. This session is ideal for musicians, artists, and anyone interested in exploring new cultural perspectives through music and interdisciplinary practice.
The Lives of Iranian Women Singers in Diaspora
The Lives of Iranian Women Singers in Diaspora’ with Gelareh Pour sheds light on the professional experiences of Iranian women singers before and after migration. This intimate and personal presentation explores the historical status of Iranian women singers from the Qajar era through to the 1979 Revolution and beyond, offering unique insights through the perspective of Gelareh Pour, a diasporic Iranian-Australian singer and instrumentalist.
Drawing on interviews conducted with seven diasporic Iranian women singers living and working abroad, the event examines their experiences, artistic contributions, and cultural impact. Gelareh also reflects on the influence of the Woman, Life, Freedom uprise, the regime’s oppression and war on the Iranian music industry, both within Iran and across the diaspora.
Introduction to Kamancheh
A Melbourne-based kamancheh player, her work is shaped by the expressive, voice like quality of the instrument and her deep connection to Persian music. Her approach gently weaves together repertoire with personal interpretation, creating space for improvisation, storytelling, and honest emotional expression. Through her playing, she invites listeners into a journey that unfolds through moments of stillness, longing, joy, and connection. In her workshops, Sanaz shares the essence of Persian classical music, offering audiences a chance to experience its emotional language through sound, presence, and shared moments.
Elsa Mouratidou vocal workshop
Elsa Mouratidou vocal workshop
Saturday 18th 12pm - 2pm
Democritus House
583 High St Northcote
To book text
Con Kalamaras
$50 Per person
Limited to 15 people
“Ανυπότακτες Φωνές” (Untamed Voices) Singing Greek Folk Tradition “Ας τραγουδήσω κι ας χαρώ, ας παίξω κι ας γελάσω, τα νιάτα δεν πουλιούνται πια να τα ξαναγοράσω.” Let us find the joy of singing together! Untamed Voices is a one-day vocal workshop open to everyone, with no previous musical knowledge required. In a friendly and supportive environment, we will explore the power of the human voice through Greek folk tradition. During the day, we will work on two traditional songs: • one from the east of Greece (Thrace) • and one from the west (Eptanisa / Ionian Islands) These songs will be approached with a contemporary outlook, while experimenting with polyphonic singing and group vocal expression. Participants will receive the songs in advance, including: • music sheets with lyrics • transliteration (for those unfamiliar with the Greek alphabet) • and audio recordings for home practice We will begin with a short vocal warm-up, then dive into the story and context of each song, learning the melodies and the different vocal lines together. Duration: One day (2 x 1.5-hour sessions with intermission) Maximum participants: 15 Come and experience the untamed beauty of Greek folk singing — a shared musical journey of voice, tradition, and joy.