An extraordinary gathering of female artists from the past, present and future of music performance.

Van Diemen’s Band is breaking new ground in Australia and exemplifying an innovative mindset within baroque music-making.

Van Diemen’s Band (VDB) is indisputably one of the jewels of the Lutruwita/Tasmanian arts scene. Already positioned as one of Australia’s top chamber orchestras, VDB’s recordings are making an impression internationally. Artistic Director and leading Baroque violinist Julia Fredersdorff has assembled an ensemble of artists from across the globe for Heroines, a cross-genre celebration of female composers from the Baroque and contemporary eras.

Works by little-known Baroque composers including Barbara Strozzi, Francesca Caccini and Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre are performed alongside new works by Australian composers Biddy Connor and Alice Chance and Icelandic composer María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir. The VDB line-up includes London-based soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, renowned new/early music violin specialist Lizzy Welsh, and distinguished visiting French harpsichordist Aline Zylberajch. The inter-disciplinary project features a VDB commission from experimental filmmaker Hanna Chetwin.

Artistic Director, Co-producer  
Julia Fredersdorff
Soprano soloist                         
Lotte Betts-Dean
Violin                                         
Lizzy Welsh
Viola da gamba                         
Laura Vaughan
Harp                                           
Hannah Lane
Harpsichord                               
Aline Zylberajch

Associated talk as part of The Hedberg Talks program
Heroines of Composition
Saturday 11 Mar 11am
Ian Potter Recital Hall
Free, but registration is required for The Hedberg Talks program
Tickets are limited so register early!

Featuring a panel of leading female musicians and composers, this conversation explores the intersectional challenges that women face in the music industry, and those pushing the boundaries to build more inclusive communities.

In celebration of Heroines and International Women's Day 2023, Van Diemen's Band Artistic Director Julia Fredersdorff is joined by virtuosic percussionist and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Offspring Claire Edwardes, and UTAS Conservatorium of Music Lecturer and Composer Associate Professor Maria Grenfell to discuss the importance of amplifying women’s voices, the necessity of representation, and the value of mentorship. 

Speakers include
Julia Fredersdorff Artistic Director, Van Diemen’s Band
Claire Edwardes Virtuosic Percussionist and Artistic Director, Ensemble Offspring
Maria Grenfell Conservatorium of Music Lecturer and Composer Associate Professor, University of Tasmania