Van Diemen’s Band
ABOUT THE SHOW
Van Diemen’s Band invites listeners to experience a stunning blend of two distinct musical worlds. Created for MONA FOMA 2023 and performed to sold-out audiences, this cross-cultural collaboration with Ensemble Kaboul features musicians Khaled Arman (rubab) and Siar Hashimi (tablā and vocals).
Embodying artistry and advocacy, this performance preserves and celebrates musical traditions that Afghanistan’s current regime is attempting to silence.
Immerse yourself in the warm, resonant tones of Van Diemen’s Band’s period instruments as they interweave with the intricate melodic patterns of traditional Afghan and Persian music, while soaring vocals merge with the ethereal late 19th century piano compositions of Erik Satie.
Traditional Persian compositions have been harmoniously arranged for this ensemble, and Western classical pieces were selected for their fluid, contemplative style, creating a seamless interplay between Central Asian and European musical traditions.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
VAN DIEMEN’S BAND
Based in the wild and unspoiled island state of Lutruwita/Tasmania at the southernmost tip of Australia, ‘Australia’s Baroque supergroup’ Van Diemen’s Band breathes new life into historically informed performance. Founded in 2016 by violinist Julia Fredersdorff, VDB delivers extraordinary performances across Lutruwita/Tasmania as well as online.
Varying in size from an intimate chamber group to a larger orchestra, VDB explores the creativity and expressiveness of the Baroque while also performing new works on original instruments. Always seeking to break new ground, VDB has collaborated with guest artists such as French Baroque specialist Martin Gester, indie/folk singer Mikelangelo, and Tasmanian mandolin player Luke Plumb, and released a music video, Song of the Birds, in 2021.
Van Diemen’s Band has performed for Ten Days on the Island, Dark Mofo and Mona Foma, toured nationally for Musica Viva Australia and internationally for Chamber Music New Zealand, and has recorded for ABC Classic, prestigious Swedish label BIS, and Van Diemen’s Band’s own in-house label.
ENSEMBLE KABOUL
Ensemble Kaboul is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Persian music of Afghanistan — an ancient and sacred tradition rich in poetry, now endangered. The ensemble acts as both conservationists and archaeologists, rediscovering forgotten music and nurturing it back to life — and into flourishing relevance in the 21st century.
To do so, they have gathered Persian musicians from across the globe — from Lahore to Hamburg to Geneva. Performing frequently at music festivals throughout Europe, these extraordinary musicians represent a meeting of cultures, art and language. Each is trained in both Persian and European musical traditions, ensuring a dialogue between — and enrichment of — both.
- Sydney Morning Herald
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
VAN DIEMEN’S BAND
Based in the wild and unspoiled island state of Lutruwita/Tasmania at the southernmost tip of Australia, ‘Australia’s Baroque supergroup’ Van Diemen’s Band breathes new life into historically informed performance. Founded in 2016 by violinist Julia Fredersdorff, VDB delivers extraordinary performances across Lutruwita/Tasmania as well as online.
Varying in size from an intimate chamber group to a larger orchestra, VDB explores the creativity and expressiveness of the Baroque while also performing new works on original instruments. Always seeking to break new ground, VDB has collaborated with guest artists such as French Baroque specialist Martin Gester, indie/folk singer Mikelangelo, and Tasmanian mandolin player Luke Plumb, and released a music video, Song of the Birds, in 2021.
Van Diemen’s Band has performed for Ten Days on the Island, Dark Mofo and Mona Foma, toured nationally for Musica Viva Australia and internationally for Chamber Music New Zealand, and has recorded for ABC Classic, prestigious Swedish label BIS, and Van Diemen’s Band’s own in-house label.
ENSEMBLE KABOUL
Ensemble Kaboul is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Persian music of Afghanistan — an ancient and sacred tradition rich in poetry, now endangered. The ensemble acts as both conservationists and archaeologists, rediscovering forgotten music and nurturing it back to life — and into flourishing relevance in the 21st century.
To do so, they have gathered Persian musicians from across the globe — from Lahore to Hamburg to Geneva. Performing frequently at music festivals throughout Europe, these extraordinary musicians represent a meeting of cultures, art and language. Each is trained in both Persian and European musical traditions, ensuring a dialogue between — and enrichment of — both.
