“Byzantine music is primarily vocal and we sing it a
cappella during church services. But we also perform it outside of the church with instruments and we play Greek folk music as well,” says Fr. Joseph Paliouras, the founder of the school and leader of London’s Greek Byzantine Choir.
London is a wonderful place to learn this ancient Church music, with some highly qualified teachers, who have a long experience and training in this particular art form. The main school is based next to the Cathedral in Wood Green not far from the Tube Station at 21 Trinity Road, London N22 4LB. There are also branches of the school at Churches in central and south London, and also across the Midlands. The school has welcomed Orthodox Christians of all nationalities who enjoy Byzantine music, and caters for all levels from complete beginner to accomplished musicians.
Lessons are conducted in small groups on weekdays between 5.30 and 9pm. Most lessons last an hour. The day of your lesson depends on your level and availability of your teacher. Classes are conducted in Greek and English. Lessons are free but there is an annual registration fee upon enrolment. Books and learning materials can be purchased at the school.
Lessons at the Byzantine Music School of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain for 2015-2016 begin in October
To find out more and enrol call:
020 8881 4740 or 078 02258 175
His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain will preside over the ceremony for inauguration of the lessons on Thursday 8 October at 7:00 pm in the evening at the Cathedral in Wood Green.
Further information can be found on the school’s website:
” Byzantine music is the medieval sacred chant of all Christian churches following the Eastern Orthodox rite. This tradition, principally encompassing the Greek-speaking world, developed in Byzantium from the establishment of its capital, Constantinople, in 330 until its conquest in 1453.” (Dimitri E. Conomos: Brief History of Byzantne Music)
Orthodox London 