Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for the Arts and Heritage, 19 November 2024
New triple harp takes centre stage in Tasmania
Van Diemen’s Band has welcomed to its library a long-missing and highly sought after musical instrument, a baroque triple harp.
Made using a rare and flamed maple and inspired by the harp featured in a 1619 painting by Italian painter Domenico Zampieri, the ‘Zampieri Harp’ was created by German instrument maker Rainer Thurau.
The harp was unveiled last night at a ceremony in Hobart Town Hall by Minister for the Arts and Heritage, Madeleine Ogilvie, and attended by donors and supporters of the band.
“I am delighted that the Zampieri Harp has joined the instrument library of Van Diemen’s Band. The harp will enhance the band’s ability to deliver world-class performances and showcase the best of our local talent to audiences both local and further afield,” said Minister Ogilvie.
The harp cost $50,000 including freight to Tasmania and was funded by a crowdfunding campaign organised by Van Diemen’s Band.
Minister Ogilvie paid tribute to the more than 90 individual donors who helped to fund the harp, saying that, “Your ongoing support of Van Diemen’s Band is a testament of the strength of the creative energies that exist in Tasmania.”
“Having already provided the Van Diemen’s Band with $160,000 in funding as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Tasmanian Government is proud to partner with the creative arts industry to support our state’s leading chamber orchestra,” said Minister Ogilvie.
The harp joins the existing instrument library of the Van Diemen’s Band which includes a harpsichord, a chamber organ and several string instruments.
Media release – Van Diemen’s Band, 19 November 2024
Van Diemen’s Band Lunchbox Concert Series Returns to pataway/Burnie with Stellar Final Season Concerts
The immensely popular Van Diemen’s Band Lunchbox Concert Series continues its successful second season in pataway/Burnie with three extraordinary performances to close out 2024, featuring world-class musicians from both international and local stages.
Irish historical harpist Maria Cleary headlines on Thursday, November 21 at 1:05 PM, performing on VDB’s brand new Zampieri triple harp alongside VDB’s Artistic Director Julia Fredersdorff on Baroque violin.
The following week, on Thursday, November 28, the stellar Compass Brass quintet presents a dynamic program spanning from Bach to contemporary Australian works, including Malcolm Arnold’s vibrant Quintet and premiering Sacha Dozal’s “Hobart” Brass Quintet No. 1.
The 2024 season concludes festively on Thursday, December 5 with “Deck The Halls,” a joyous program of Christmas favorites from around the world, blending beloved carols with exciting new discoveries.
Curated by VDB’s Artistic Director Julia Fredersdorff, these bite-sized concerts have become a cherished cultural touchstone in pataway/Burnie, offering an oasis of beautiful music in a casual and welcoming setting. The series showcases some of Tassie’s finest musical talent alongside interstate and international guests, providing an eclectic program spanning a rich variety of genres and styles.
About Maria Cleary
Harpist Maria Christina Cleary has earned international recognition as “a pioneer of period harp practice” and is renowned for her improvisatory skills and ingenious basso continuo playing. Her dedication to creating beautiful sound on historical instruments has made her one of the most sought-after performers in the field.
A native of Ireland, Cleary’s musical journey began surrounded by Irish traditional music while receiving classical training in multiple instruments. After studying at the College of Music Dublin, she pursued further education at the Koninklijk Conservatoriums in The Hague and Brussels. Her academic achievements include a PhD from The Academy of Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA), Leiden University, awarded in 2016.
Specializing in historical harps, Cleary performs on a variety of period instruments and has recorded over 40 CDs with prestigious orchestras and Early Music ensembles. She has performed at major festivals worldwide, including Boston, Utrecht, Montreal, and Salzburg festivals. Maria’s travel to Australia has been generously supported by Culture Ireland.
About Compass Brass
Compass Brass brings together five of Australia’s most accomplished brass musicians. The ensemble features Yoram Levy and John Foster on trumpets, Lisa Holownia on horn, Cian Malikides on trombone, and Tim Jones on tuba.
Yoram Levy, one of Australia’s leading trumpeters and brass pedagogues, serves as Head of Brass at the Australian National Academy of Music and was the long-standing Principal Trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra until 2023. John Foster, internationally recognized on both modern and historical trumpets, is the artistic director of Australian Baroque Brass and Queensland Baroque Orchestra.
The ensemble is completed by Lisa Holownia, a distinguished French horn professional with experience in major orchestras worldwide; Cian Malikides, who has performed as guest principal trombone with numerous Australian orchestras; and Tim Jones, who served as Principal Tuba with the TSO from 1995-2024.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Final Concerts for 2024 – Van Diemen’s Band Lunchbox Concert Series – pataway/Burnie
Maria Cleary & Julia Fredersdorff, Thursday 21 November, 13:05
Compass Brass, Thursday 28 November, 13:05
Deck the Halls, Thursday 5 December, 13:05
Tickets – Booked: $10.00, Friends: $10.00, Door Sales: $15.00
Bookings https://tickets.burniearts.
All concerts are at Burnie Arts & Function Centre.
