Simon Svoboda(LIVE) | Joseph Rabjohns

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”Influenced by composers like Arvo Pärt and modern artists such as Thom Yorke, Simon Svoboda’s work on Kaamos highlights his ability to merge traditional classical elements with contemporary minimalism, solidifying his status as a complex and intriguing artist.” - Notion Magazine

Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda returns to his hometown of Brisbane to perform a special set of his original music for cello and voice at Can You Keep A Secret? Aside from being an active part of the Finnish classical scene, Svoboda is part of 'Aspen String Quartet', performs frequently with his cello duo ‘Simon and Tommi’, and is also a keen composer and arranger, having worked with music and fashion icons such as Ecco2K and Vincent Catani. In the past two years however, Svoboda has found inspiration to compose minimalistic music for his cello and voice. His recently released EP titled ‘Kaamos’ (the Finnish word describing the darkest period of the year where the sun seldom rises) is a 5-piece work inspired by different elements of winter in Finland. 

Svoboda was fortunate to be a 2024 Finnish Cultural Foundation Koneen Säätiö scholarship recipient, supporting the creation of Kaamos. Svoboda has had the huge pleasure to collaborate with some incredible artists on this record, including Ukrainian violinist Varvara Vasylieva on ‘Savu’ (an homage to Ukraine translating to ‘Smoke’), his sister, double bassist and singing legend Helen Svoboda on the track ‘Valo’ (‘light’), and William Häggblom featuring on organ in the track ‘Halla’ (‘frost’). Also, the record would not have been possible without the commitment and belief from audio-engineer and producer, Joel Ward. 

Svoboda holds a masters degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, and has had prior training at the Australian National Academy of Music and the University of Queensland. Previous projects include SIMON SIMON and The Biology of Plants, among others.

When Svoboda is not playing music, he is drinking coffee, thinking about surfing back home or hanging out with his dog Henry.

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Opening the night will be a set from Joseph Rabjohns. Joseph is a Brisbane based guitarist and music educator known for his composition/playing in Kodiak Empire, Kieran Stevenson, work with Tyler Cooney, Lachlan R. Dale and more. Joseph's solo work draws from neo-classical guitar, prog, post-rock, folk and ambient music. Through his solo compositions, Joseph aims to tame his passion for complex music with the soothing nature of folk music, and a heavy emphasis on finger style guitar playing.