Van Diemen’s Band comes from an island state. And perhaps it’s the absence of land borders that empowers its musicians to view the world in a distinctive light.
This Tasmanian Baroque ensemble invites you to explore the historic borderlands of Europe. For centuries generations of musicians wrote dances and masses, symphonies and quartets, as their homelands changed ownership under their feet. Or their nations remained steadfast, allowing the most magical cultural overlaps at the border fringes.
The world has changed dramatically since the idea of the program was devised, freighting the term ‘borderlands’ with renewed and disturbing resonance.
As Artistic Director and violinist Julia Fredersdorff says, “our idea of Borderlands [has] turned out to be scarily prescient and … what had been a fairly abstract idea at the time has suddenly gained a much more poignant and even political tint.”
With that in mind, Fredersdorff believes hearing this music at a time of great geopolitical turmoil is to experience a sense of kinship with the circumstances of its composers, many of whom experienced first-hand the tensions of 17th-century Europe. Works by Becker, Scheidt and Albinoni share the bill with María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir’s 2013 Clockworking and a highly anticipated new work by Van Diemen’s Band harpsichordist and organ player Donald Nicolson.
Themes of loss, regret and resentment connect these works, as does hope, underlining Fredersdorff’s belief that music can be a powerful cathartic tool. Just as Van Diemen’s Band invites instrumental guests from across Australia’s state borders, these composers remind us how we’re still united through music – no matter what borders lie between us.
"Moving from lament to humour and virtuosity with unanimity, creating a kaleidoscope of emotions that tugged the heartstrings."
"The gasps from the audience said it all, as the music became ever more dramatic and the harmonies ever more progressive… Proof, should it be needed, that music truly does transcend time and space."
Sales are now closed for the livestreamed concert
Van Diemen's Band will be livestreamed on Monday 9 May at 7pm AEST.
Bring the joy of live music into your home, on your smart TV, computer, tablet or even mobile phone with a livestreamed concert. Tickets are just $25 and include a 48-hour rewatch period.
You will receive an email confirmation when you purchase your tickets. Ticket holders will receive a link to watch the performance 24 hours prior to the concert.
If you’re watching on your phone or computer we recommend using headphones or connecting to external speakers. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Download the program guide here, or view it below.
JULIA FREDERSDORFF Artistic Director & violin |
Borderlands BECKER Sonata No. 5 in F MajorSCHEIDT Galliard Battaglia BECKER Paduan SAINTE-COLOMBE Les Pleurs SCHEIDT Courant ERLEBACH Chaconne Interval MUFFAT Sonata in D Major *World premiere performances Brisbane: This concert is a Steven Kinston Tribute Concert. |
This tour is generously supported by our Ensemble Patrons: Concert Champions: |
Performance Details
Dates & Times
Perth | 26 April 7:30pm |
Adelaide | 28 April 7:30pm |
Sydney | 30 April 2pm |
Melbourne | 3 May 7pm |
Brisbane | 5 May 7pm |
Sydney | 9 May 7pm |
Newcastle | 10 May 7:30pm |
Canberra | 12 May 7pm |
Melbourne | 14 May 7pm |
Location
Multiple Venues
Please check the venue in your city when booking tickets.
Event notes
Venue Information
Read more about the venues here.