April 5th, 2026Arabic music celebrates Palestinian culture

The Theatre Royal will host a special performance by Tarab Ensemble, Australia’s leading group devoted to classical Arabic music, in a concert celebrating the rich musical traditions of Palestine and the Arab world.
The Sunday, April 12 event, In the Shadows of Music, is a collaboration between Daylesford for Palestine and Free Palestine Central Victoria, with the full support of the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine.
Founded by award-winning Palestinian-Australian musician, academic, and storyteller Yousef Alreemawi, Tarab Ensemble brings together a collective of musicians from Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Australia, Armenia, Japan, Iran and Egypt.
The two-hour concert (with interval) will take audiences on a journey through a stunning variety of Arabic musical styles: from Andalusian Muwashah and Syrian Qudoud to Sufi traditions, Longa, and 20th century classics.
Blending traditional Arabic instruments like the oud and nay with keyboard, western flute, saxophone and double bass, the ensemble creates a sound that is both hypnotic and deeply moving.
Tarab is an Arabic word describing the deep state of emotional pleasure that music can bring – and this afternoon of music promises exactly that.
Yousef Alreemawi, who sought refuge in Australia with his family many years ago, is widely respected as a multi-talented artist and thinker. Beyond his work with Tarab Ensemble, he is an academic in Arabic language and culture, a translator, writer, refugee advocate, and political analyst – deeply engaged in the intersection of art, identity and justice.
Many in the region will remember Alreemawi from his powerful storytelling session at Words in Winter 2025 in Daylesford. This concert offers the chance to experience his musical artistry for the first time.
The event will also feature local ensemble Band Without Borders, based in Daylesford, Castlemaine and surrounds.
Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/3sv9vv7r