Cultural Crossovers and Global Rhythms

Discover something new with Brisbane Festival’s lineup of cultural crossovers and global rhythms.

From local favourites to international guests, this year’s musical performances are more varied than ever. Tap along to the sounds of flamenco and samba at Paco Peña and the Latin Guitar Extravaganza. From afro beats to carnivalesque grooves, guitarra to gourds, didgeridoo to djembes the crowd-favourite Moorooka Block Party is back for year three.

Experience the fusion of eastern and western musical traditions with Eishan Ensemble, led by acclaimed Persian-Australian tar player and composer Hamed Sadeghi. These incredible musicians and more are inviting audiences to experience rhythms from around the world. Come and celebrate as Brisbane Festival showcases cultural innovation and collaboration through the universal language of music.

Sat 14 Sep

Eishan Ensemble

Led by acclaimed Persian-Australian tar player and composer Hamed Sadeghi, the ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble draws on contemporary and classical music traditions from both East and West. Through this unique combination the ensemble creates groundbreaking orchestral performances. Eishan’s repertoire consists predominantly of Sadeghi’s original compositions that feature diverse improvisatory idioms, including jazz. Described as ‘Persian chamber jazz’ and ‘Middle Eastern jazz fusion', Eishan defies neat labels and is more than the sum of its parts.

Sat 7 Sep

Moorooka Block Party

Back for year three, the crowd-favourite Moorooka Block Party will kick off Brisbane Festival’s Serenades program with an impressive line-up of Australia's finest First Nations and World Music performers. Bop, dance, jump, sing and revel in celebratory sounds, from afro beats to carnivalesque grooves, guitarra to gourds, didgeridoo to djembes to Saraswati veena.

Sat 21 Sep

Pasifika Made

From across the Australian and Pacific Island diaspora, a dynamic line up of artists ignites the stage in the spirit of the Moana, weaving together a vibrant fabric of cultural and contemporary Pasifika dance, music and storytelling with a bit of quirk and island humour!

Sun 15 Sep

Portside Serenades

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Portside Wharf, this festival is a melodious evening designed for jazz lovers of all stripes. Dance and bop to the beat with guest performers Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption, Afrobeat Brazilian Drums and many more. This free all-ages event will make you fall in love with jazz all over again. From the sweet sounds of brass under the stars to the upbeat tempos of Dixieland at sunset, Portside Serenades showcases a diverse lineup of local jazz talent.

Mon 9 Sep

Paco Peña — Requiem for the Earth

A profound musical odyssey of passion and redemption, Paco Peña — Requiem for the Earth celebrates our glorious planet while issuing a stark warning: time is running out and we must act now to save the Earth. With lyrics in Spanish and Latin, this stunning performance intricately merges the solemnity of a traditional Requiem with the vibrant energy of flamenco.

Tue 17 Sep

Latin Guitar Extravaganza

A feast of Latin guitars featuring Brazilian guitar sensation Chrystian Dozza alongside Karin Schaupp, the Riverside Guitar Ensemble and special guests the Open Conservatorium Guitar Ensemble conducted by Joel Woods. Experience the astounding capabilities of the guitar and see what masters of this classic instrument can achieve. The sounds of the talented guitarists will reverberate through the Conservatorium Theatre for a single night. From fiery tangos to languid milongas and toe-tapping sambas, this evening is a true celebration of the guitar not to be missed.

Tue 3 Sep

Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts — Continuum

Continuum is the newest jazz ensemble from Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, that draws inspiration from the philosophy of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The purpose of this ensemble is musical director James Sandon’s vision for fostering excellence through growth and development of essential skills in musicianship, improvisation, composition and leadership in jazz performance. The band combines jazz students from all year levels of the Conservatorium program to cultivate shared experiences with a deep appreciation of this music.

Tue 10 Sep

Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts — Interstellar with Roger Sayer — Organ Concert

Virtuosic and versatile, international organ star Roger Sayer was chosen by the iconic composer Hans Zimmer to create the prominent organ role for Christopher Nolan's gripping film Interstellar. Sayer shares his experience of working with two living geniuses of cinema before playing his version of the soundtrack. The program includes other space-related music, including movements from Holst's The Planets. A thrilling event not to be missed!

Tue 17 Sep

Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts — Making Daybreak

A stunning voice on the international scene, Pauline Maudy is an accomplished French-Australian songwriter and performer who embraces music that promotes human connection. For this concert, she presents songs inspired by human resilience crafted in collaboration with internationally renowned composer Robert Davidson. The songs are brought to life by Black Square String Quartet, bolstering Pauline’s powerful vocals.