The Persian Music of Afghanistan Meets Baroque
Van Diemen’s Band invites audiences into a striking encounter between two rich musical traditions. First created for MONA FOMA 2023 and performed to sold-out crowds, this collaboration with Ensemble Kaboul brings together the resonant sonorities of period instruments and the intricate beauty of Persian and Afghan music.
At its heart are three extraordinary musicians: Khaled Arman (rubab), Siar Hashimi (tabla, vocals) and Masud Hashimi (zerbaghali, percussion). Their artistry not only preserves endangered traditions under threat in Afghanistan but also celebrates their vitality on the world stage.
Traditional Persian works, arranged for this unique ensemble, flow seamlessly into Western classical repertoire, with the contemplative piano music of Erik Satie providing moments of stillness and reflection. The result is a soundscape where soaring Afghan vocals and modal improvisations intertwine with baroque colours, weaving a conversation across centuries and cultures.
Ensemble Kaboul is dedicated to reviving Afghanistan’s largely forgotten Persian repertoire, a tradition once flourishing from Lahore to Budapest and Cordoba to Erevan. Their approach is part musical performance, part cultural archaeology: rediscovering buried themes, lost ornaments and forgotten motifs, and presenting them anew.
Khaled Arman, among the world’s leading rubab players, has expanded the instrument’s reach into Persian, Indian and European traditions. Siar Hashimi, trained by masters including Zakir Hussain, is a dynamic tabla virtuoso and vocalist. His brother, Masud Hashimi, is celebrated for his imaginative percussion work, performing widely across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Together with Van Diemen’s Band, these musicians create an unforgettable cross-cultural dialogue, at once ancient, urgent, and timeless.
2MBS Fine Music Sydney subscribers have an exclusive opportunity to win a double pass to see Van Diemen’s Band on Saturday 4 October at 6pm, Leichhardt Town Hall.
When: Saturday 4 October, 6pm
Where: Leichhardt Town Hall
Tickets: from $35
Bookings: click here