Love Songs for Afghanistan Afghanistan has always been a place of rich and diverse cultural heritage, including musical practice. Since 2010, the Afghanistan National Institute of Music has worked tirelessly to rebuild and revitalise Afghanistan’s cultural voice in the face of intense political upheaval, war, conflict and censorship. Through investing in young musicians and transcending cultural, ethnic, religious, and gendered boundaries, ANIM has honoured the musical heritage that is dear to the heart of every Afghan and contributes towards a just and civil society. As the director, Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast describes it, ANIM “is a beacon of hope that demonstrates the power of music in bringing people together and contributing to achieving long-lasting peace in our nation”. It is this power that we draw upon tonight, as musicians, artists, and communities across Afghanistan
once
again
face silencing
and
oppression.
As the first Love
Songs
for
Afghanistan concert of an international series bringing together musicians across national borders, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, and musical styles, we send to Afghanistan our messages of peace, compassion, courage, and above all else, love. TUNING MEDITATION - Pauline Oliveros Performed by Queensland Conservatorium Classical Performance students organized by Women of Noise Performers: Anna Rabinowicz & Ev Ramadan Flute, Hugo Anaya Clarinet, Arabella Davies Horn, Mikaela Thomsen Vibraphone, Georgie Brindley, Lexi Gorton, Harry Egerton, Sola Hughes, Edmund Mantelli Violins THE FINAL BATTLE CRY - Alexis Carrier Debbie Jender Debbie Jender is a doctoral candidate at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, focusing on the work of women composers. She is a freelance horn player and teacher. Debbie has performed with professional ensembles in Australia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, and Jordan.
ENTITLED - Leilani Wagner SKYLARK - Hoagy Carmichael Leilani Wagner Quartet Bringing passion and inspiration to every performance, Lani's ability to evoke emotion within an audience is only matched by her breathtaking vocal range. Currently, Lani is pursuing her Masters of Music Degree in Pedagogy at Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium. Lani's quartet will feature herself as vocalist, composer and arranger, Dominic Machen on drums, Joseph Machen on piano and Jono Fraser on bass. ZAFIRA - Christina Bowden (3rd year Bachelor of Music composition major) An Nguyen (Masters student) Zafira is a piece written about 27-year-old Afghan woman Mayor Zafira Ghafari. Zafira is the youngest mayor in the country and is the first female mayor in Afghanistan’s Maidan Wardak province since 2018. She has accomplished many incredible things in her life, but being a women’s rights activist in Afghanistan, the Taliban has frequently threatened to kill her. In fact, they’ve tried and failed three times. Now with the Taliban’s comeback, Zafira is waiting for them to come for her. MY DREAMS ARE BIGGER THAN MY FEARS - Christina Bowden Aliana Geisel (3rd year Bachelor of Music flautist) This piece is written about 18-year-old Afghan woman Shamsia Alizada, an intelligent young woman who came first in the national university entrance exam in Afghanistan and aspires to become a doctor. When she was 16, she survived an ISIS attack at her school, but being such a strong woman, she soldiered on and continued her studies. The title of the piece is inspired by a quote from Shamsia, “I have some fears about the Taliban’s comeback, but I don’t want to lose my hope, because my dreams are bigger than my fear.” Special Guest Speaker Dr. Rita Anwari Dr Anwari is the Founding Director of Women Empowerment and Leadership in Australia and former International Adviser to the Minister of Women Affairs in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. She is also the founder and Director to the Afghanistan Australia chamber of commerce and investment. During her professional career, Rita has facilitated engagements in the political, academic and business domains between the two counties. She has successfully hosted dialogues, liaised with government and business stakeholders on both sides and mobilised the
Afghan community in Australia for the betterment of Afghanistan people and bilateral relations. Rita is passionate about bettering the lives of the vulnerable and those who cannot fight for their rights. She is also passionate about making a difference in the life of those women who have not had the opportunity to achieve their dreams. TRANSLUCENT HAZE - Tomlinson, Mani & Hill Vanessa Tomlinson (faculty), Charulatha Mani (alumni), and Julia Hill (Bachelor of Music Performance student) This performance is an improvisation based on a Tamil (South Indian) song for the girl child, Chinnanchiru Kiliye, in raga Kapi which suggests piety (and empathy). Tisram (a 3 beat cycle) creates a circular trance like quality. Translucent Haze is a sonic mediation, offered here as our way of contemplating across conflict. AGUA E VINHO - arr. Angelina Ellis STONE, SHELL, BONE, AND FEATHER: 2. In Paradisum, 8. Midar - Duncan Gardiner Jacaranda Quartet Brisbane’s finest classical guitar graduates from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU), form Jacaranda Guitar Quartet. Dominic Ward, Jeremy Stafford, Clancy Anderson, and Chloe Hasson provide an edgy, fresh, and modern approach to classical guitar. As a quartet and individuals, they have performed at prestigious events, functions, and festivals, including the likes of Adelaide International Guitar Festival, Gallery of Modern Arts, The Brisbane Old Museum, Brisbane City Hall, and Australian Festival of Chamber Music. I AM ANNE - Words & Music by John Jacobson and Mac Huff OUR SONG - Words & Music by Deborah Cheetham AO Young Conservatorium Concert Choir accompanied by Meg Burstow (alumni) Kaitlyn Chester, Alexandra Clayton, Scarlett Nye, Arkadi Tabakov are members of the Young Conservatorium Concert Choir, who perform a wide range of repertoire from early traditional choral pieces to modern works, Australian pieces and musical theatre works.