Where Everything is Music
Credit: Moorilla Gallery
The Persian music of Afghanistan meets baroque
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), Siar Hashimi (tablā and vocals) and Masud Hashimi (zerbaghali, percussion).
Embodying artistry and advocacy, this performance preserves and celebrates musical traditions 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.
Learn more about this program -including full program notes - and the artists here.
Album available for pre-order
Thanks to our generous supporters, we are recording this program at Frying Pan Studios in October 2025.
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY (delivery scheduled for early 2026).
Partners
| Ensemble Kaboul | Khaled Arman, rubab |
| Van Diemen's Band | Julia Fredersdorff, Artistic Director & Baroque violin
Rachel Meyers, viola
Laura Vaughan, viola da gamba, violone
Martin Penicka, cello
Donald Nicolson, harpsichord
Luke Plumb, mandolin |
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View the program and notes online HERE. |
Event and ticketing details
Date & Time
| Melbourne Recital Centre (VIC) *SELLING FAST* |
Thu 25 September 7.30pm |
| UKARIA Cultural Centre (SA) *SOLD OUT* |
Sun 28 September 2.30pm |
| Theatre Royal (TAS) *SELLING FAST* |
Fri 3 October 7.00pm |
| Leichhardt Town Hall (NSW) *SOLD OUT - WAITLIST* |
Sat 4 October 6.00pm |
| Brisbane Powerhouse |
Sun 5 October 6.30pm |
Tickets
| Melbourne Recital Centre *SELLING FAST* | $59/$49 + booking fees |
| UKARIA Cultural Centre *SOLD OUT* | $70/$65/$35 inc afternoon tea |
| Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart *SELLING FAST* | $55-$30 + booking fees |
| Leichhardt Town Hall *SOLD OUT - WAITLIST* | $65/$55$35 + booking fees |
| Brisbane Powerhouse | $65/$59 + booking fees |
Location
Accessibility
Event notes
Duration
For Melbourne and Nipaluna/Hobart, the performance is approx 60 minutes with no interval.
For UKARIA Cultural Centre, the performance is 2 hours including a 25 minute interval, during which a complimentary afternoon tea will be served.