East of West Workshops at Old Courthouse

East of West’s music draws from the rich cultural melting pot of the Balkan and Mediterranean regions, spicing it with a hint of contemporary European jazz. Comprising Bosnian-born composer Goran Gajić on double bass, Philip Griffin on oud and laouto, and Malindi Morris on percussion, East of West explores the borderlands between genres through their intricate compositions and improvisations.

Starting their Australian album launch tour in the Centre, East of West offer a weekend of workshops at Music NT headquarters - the old Courthouse Hartley St.

Workshops on offer

Sat 10am - 11am

Black Sea folk song (1 hour)

Singing/choir workshop:

Learn a haunting three-part traditional song from the mountainous Black Sea region of Türkiye with Philip Griffin,  exploring the different arrangement possibilities of mixing the parts and incorporating solo and choral sections.

Sat 12pm - 1pm

Balkan and Middle Eastern rhythms and percussion workshop

Bring your percussion instruments or simply your hands and voices and explore the fascinating rhythms of the Balkans, Mediterranean and Middle East with Malindi Morris from East of West. Learn to tap your foot, clap your hands or play your drum to all sorts of odd time signatures! 

Sun 10am - 11am

Children’s workshop: 

Wonky rhythms and body percussion for kids (young and old)

What do apples and pineapples have to do with music? Come along and find out… Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands to some of the amazing (and wonky) rhythms of the Balkans!

Sun 12pm - 1pm

Singing and ukulele workshop:

Bosnian Sevdalinka (urban folk song)

The haunting urban folk music of Bosnia strikes a chord with many of us, speaking as it does of love, loss and the resilience of a strong and proud people. Join Goran Gajić and East of West and learn a song or two from this beautiful part of the world, and sing to the accompaniment of double bass, oud and percussion.