Our Instruments

We've *just* taken delivery of a Baroque triple harp built by one of the great makers of historic harps, Rainer Thurau in Germany. It is a copy of one featured in a 1619 painting by Zampieri, and therefore bears that artist’s name. Made with rare flamed maple, we have provisionally dubbed it the "thylacine harp" for reasons which will be clear when you see it in person!

We have been incredibly fortunate to have been supported by over 90 generous individuals who have enabled this purchase. 

Our harpsichord was commissioned from Dutch maker Titus Crijnen. It was manufactured in his workshop in Sabinãn (Spain) in 2022.

Constructed using historically informed techniques, it is a replica of a grand ravelement instrument built in 1624 by the Ruckers family. Made in the Flemish style, it features a double manual, with a range from FF-f3 . It has two 8’ registers plus a 4’ buff stop.

The interior lid artwork was commissioned from nipaluna/Hobart botanical artist, Deborah Wace, to reflect the unique flora of the instrument’s island home.

The instrument was purchased by VDB with the support of many generous donors and truly is a people's instrument.

Our Kirschner Chamber Organ was made in Hamburg, Germany in 2011. It arrived in lutruwita/Tasmania in December 2018, and was used one week later in the VDB Christmas concerts in Hobart and Launceston.

The principal repertoire played by Van Diemen's Band is 17th and 18th Century repertoire, which frequently requires organ as an integral part of the ensemble.

The instrument was purchased by VDB with the support of many generous donors and assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.

The organ can be heard as a solo instrument on our recording of Handel Concerti Grossi Opus 3 played by eminent French organist Martin Gester.

We are incredibly fortunate to have been gifted a violin by a very generous donor. The instrument was built in Germany by Paul Altsee in the 18th century and then modernised at a later point. It has now been returned to a Baroque configuration by nipaluna/Hobart luthier Douglas Coghill.

We also have another 18th Century instrument built in Germany, made by Georg Klotz, on long-term loan to VDB from a donor.

Both violins are in use by our VDB Fellows.

Our instrument family has welcomed a baroque viola made by Queensland luthier Ian Clarke in 1984. Gifted to VDB by a private donor, the instrument is a copy of an instrument made by the Amati family in 1629.

It is now being used by our VDB Fellows.