Van Diemen’s band: Where Everything is Music

The Persian music of Afghanistan meets baroque.

Tasmanian Baroque ensemble 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 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.