Where Everything is Music

Lutruwitan/Tasmanian Baroque ensemble Van Diemen’s Band invites listeners to experience a stunning blend of two distinct musical worlds: the Persian music of Afghanistan and Western Baroque. Created for MONA FOMA 2023 and performed to sold-out venues, 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-nineteenth-century piano compositions of Erik Satie, reimagined for this unique ensemble. Traditional Persian compositions have been harmoniously arranged for this blended instrumentation, and Western classical pieces were selected for their fluid, contemplative style, creating a seamless interplay between Central Asian and European musical traditions.

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

Members of Ensemble Kaboul

     Khaled Arman | Rubab (Afghan lute)

     Siar Hashimi | Vocals / Tablā / Percussion

     Masud Hashimi | Zerbaghali / Percussion