Daylesford for Palestine is the name chosen by an informal and dedicated group of Hepburn Shire locals united in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their long struggle for peace, justice, freedom and self-determination. For over two and a half years, they have gathered at Daylesford’s top roundabout each Friday between 5pm and 6pm for a show of solidarity, encouraged by the many supportive ‘toots’ of passing motorists.
Now, that same group is bringing something new to the region: a celebration of Palestinian culture through classical Arabic music.
On Sunday 12th April, Daylesford for Palestine and Free Palestine Central Victoria will collaborate to present In the Shadows of Music at the Theatre Royal Castlemaine—a special performance by Tarab Ensemble, Australia’s leading group devoted to classical Arabic music. Local ensemble Band Without Borders will also perform.
Founded by Palestinian-Australian musician Yousef Alreemawi, Tarab Ensemble brings together artists from Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Australia, Armenia, Japan, Iran and Egypt. A storyteller, refugee advocate, writer and academic, Alreemawi has performed at venues including Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Town Hall. Many in the region will remember his powerful storytelling session at Words in Winter 2025 in Daylesford. This concert offers a chance to experience his musical artistry for the first time.
The two-hour concert spans Andalusian Muwashah, Syrian Qudoud, Sufi traditions and 20th-century classics. Traditional Arabic instruments like the oud and nay blend with keyboard, western flute, saxophone and double bass. Tarab is an Arabic word for the profound state of emotional pleasure that music can bring—and this afternoon promises exactly that.
Organisers say the concert is about more than music.
“In these times, coming together to celebrate Palestinian and Arabic culture is an act of solidarity. It’s a way of saying that Palestinian heritage and Arabic artistry will not be silenced. It’s about making space for beauty, dignity, and connection when they are needed most.”
Tickets are available now—and selling fast.
In the Shadows of Music
Sunday 12th April, doors 3pm, show 3.30pm
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Tickets available at Theatre Royal website- https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/
And if you’d like to stand in solidarity before the concert, please join Daylesford for Palestine at the top roundabout any Friday from 5pm–6pm. We’re a peaceful group, we welcome everyone, and we’re always happy to have a respectful conversation. New faces are always welcome—come and help share the flag flying.
