The Rhythmic Sounds of Nature

Step into Spring with a celebration of renewal, connection, and Country.

Join us for a powerful journey through the seasonal cycles as interpreted through the rich cultural lens of the Yugambeh-Bundjalung and Kombumerri Peoples. The Rhythmic Sounds of Nature is a vibrant exploration of place and time, where story, sound and spirit come alive.

Set against breathtaking visuals from Springbrook National Park, the performance features 12 original compositions brought to life by Ensemble Diaspora, a dynamic 6-piece world fusion ensemble. Their live soundscape resonates with the park’s flora and fauna—its birdsong, breezes, and rustling leaves—capturing the pulse of Country in full bloom.

This is more than a concert—it’s a sensory tribute to nature’s rhythms and a profound homage to Indigenous wisdom.

7:30pm, Saturday 13 September, 2025
Queensland Multicultural Centre
102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Tickets $35
Children under 14: Free
Duration: 1 hour.

Supported by BEMAC.

There is limited parking at the QMC. We encourage all guests to use public transport. QMC is only a 2-minute walk from the Holman Street Ferry Terminal and bus route 234. You can find more info about how to get to QMC at http://qmc.org.au/visit

Cover photo by Sufi Art Group

Artist Bios

Dr Arash Zanganeh (Percussion)

Musicologist, ethnomusicologist, and Eco musicologist, at the School of Creative Arts, University of Southern Queensland

Arash is a composer, educator, and author, his work is rooted in Sufi traditions and Middle Eastern folkloric music. He is the Artistic Director of the Sufi Art Group, which he founded in 2000 to preserve and celebrate Eastern art and culture. Arash also applies his practice as a music social worker with TAFE Queensland, QPASTT, and Multicultural Australia, leading programs that support mental wellbeing through musical expression, rhythm, and group-based singing. He has published A Guide to Dáf Technique & Middle Eastern Rhythms and The Rhythm of Love, both accompanied by audio programs. His PhD project, The Rhythmic Sounds of Nature, was recognised as a musical calendar for Springbrook National Park in Queensland.

Sebastian Flynn (Fiddle)

Ensemble Diaspora Leader

Originally from Liverpool, England, Sebastian has played in various traditional music groups including the Lyra Greek Dance Ensemble in London and music groups in the UK and Australia including Irish groups Malarky, the Jar and Potcheen in Australia and as founder of World music group, Diaspora in Australia.

Dr Robert Davidson (Double Bass)

Bachelor of Arts Music Major Convenor, School of Music, University of Queensland

Robert is a prolific composer, bassist, lecturer and founder and artistic director of Topology, the ensemble-in-residence at the Brisbane Powerhouse and a Key Organisation funded by the Australia Council. Robert's compositions are regularly performed, recorded and broadcast around the world. All of Australia's professional orchestras and many leading soloists and ensembles have commissioned and performed his works. He has received many commissions for major works from festivals and venues including the Barbican Centre, Lincoln Center, Qld Music Festival, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Olympics Arts Festival, Canberra International Music Festival and many others. With Topology he has released twelve albums and a DVD. He has collaborated widely, with artists including Geoffrey Rush, The Brodsky Quartet, The Kransky Sisters, Gerry Connolly, Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Ed Kuepper, the Southern Cross Soloists, Trichotomy and The Australian Voices.

Dr Martin Reese (Mandolin, Tenor Guitar & Banjo)

Language and learning educator at Queensland University of Technology.

Martin is from the UK, originally from a Welsh cultural background. Whilst studying in Bangor in Wales, he became involved in traditional music sessions, firstly on Mandolin. Martin has since developed his playing of Tenor Guitar, Mandola and Banjo. Martin was a member of the groups Malarky the Jar and Ensemble Diaspora World Music group. Martin has for many years been the mainstay of the regular traditional Irish music sessions held weekly in Gilhooleys Irish bar in Brisbane.

Dr Christian Rizzalli (Bouzouki, Banjo, Vocals)

Teaching Associate in Art History, School of Communication and Arts, University of Queensland

Christian brings both traditional and contemporary angles to his vocal approach, his powerful rhythmic sense and a relentless search for interesting songs and tunes. Christian plays bouzouki, mandolin and tenor banjo, and draws upon a wide range of Irish and English traditional sources. As a solo musician, Christian brings a variety of songs (both accompanied and unaccompanied) and tunes, creating a wonderful experience of music and storytelling.

Dr Henry Reese (Keyboard)

Professional Researcher, Historian and Academic, University of Melbourne

Henry Reese is an award-winning historian with over eight years of experience in tertiary teaching and research on Australian Research Council projects. He completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2019, with a thesis—now a forthcoming book—on the cultural history of early sound recording in Australia. His work spans technology, music, energy, museums, and settler colonialism, and has earned recognition from the Australian Historical Association and the Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand.