MEDIA RELEASE: Today - Van Diemen’s Band launches self-run label with debut release BOHEMIA and new VDB On Demand platform

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MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


20 JUNE 2025

Today - Van Diemen’s Band launches self-run label with debut release BOHEMIA and new VDB On Demand platform


Tasmania’s Baroque supergroup unveils its first release under a new artist-led label.

Van Diemen’s Band proudly launches its new self-run label today with the release of Bohemia—a vivid new album that captures the expressive heart of 17th-century Central Europe in the wake of the Thirty Years’ War. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms, as well as in CD format.

Marking a major milestone in the ensemble’s evolution, the VDB label will serve as a creative home for Van Diemen’s Band’s expanding discography and digital activity, including concert film releases and projects with associate artists.

Launching its own label allows Van Diemen’s Band to share music on its own terms, directly with listeners who care deeply about historically informed performance, artistic excellence and bold musical storytelling.

Today also sees the official launch of VDB On Demand, a new digital platform offering full-length concert films to watch on your computer, TV or mobile device. The platform launches with two major concert releases: Cloak and Dagger (Van Diemen’s Band) and Homeward (Van Diemen’s Fiddles), with more concerts to be released in the coming months.

Artistic Director Julia Fredersdorff describes Bohemia as “a deeply expressive journey through a landscape of loss, resilience and joy,” reflecting the remarkable creativity that flourished despite the devastation of war. Drawing on repertoire sourced from the Kroměříž Music Archive and beyond, the album features music by Schmelzer, Biber, Pezel, Muffat, and Pachelbel, performed with the signature vitality and imagination that defines Van Diemen’s Band.

Van Diemen’s Band is also proud to be featured as ABC Classic’s Performer of the Week from Monday 23 June, culminating in a national broadcast on Friday 27 June at 5:00pm AEST, including a studio performance and interview with Vanessa Hughes.

Following a busy start to the year, the ensemble will take a short break from performing before returning in August with its popular Lunchbox Concerts in nipaluna/Hobart, resuming Tuesday 5 August.

In the meantime, Van Diemen’s Band encourages audiences across lutruwita/Tasmania to catch upcoming performances by its friends at the Bowerbird Collective, who are touring their cinematic celebration of migratory birds through Launceston, Scottsdale, Cygnet, Franklin, Bruny Island and nipaluna/Hobart.

We look forward to seeing you—whether in person or online—very soon.

BOHEMIA

NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS

About Van Diemen’s Band

Based in the wild and unspoiled island state of lutruwita/Tasmania, Van Diemen’s Band has quickly earned its reputation as Australia’s Baroque supergroup. With a bold, historically informed approach, the ensemble brings fresh energy to music of the 17th and 18th centuries—connecting deeply with audiences across Tasmania and beyond.

Formed in 2016 by violinist Julia Fredersdorff, Van Diemen’s Band brings together some of Australia’s most accomplished early music specialists. Its players have performed with leading international ensembles including Les Arts Florissants, Il Pomo d’Oro, Ensemble Pygmalion, The English Concert, and the Academy of Ancient Music.

Whether performing as an intimate chamber ensemble or full Baroque orchestra, VDB is known for its expressive, research-informed interpretations and adventurous programming. Collaborations have included projects with French Baroque specialist Martin Gester, Persian-Afghani group Ensemble Kaboul, and Tasmanian mandolinist Luke Plumb, as well as the striking 2021 music video Song of the Birds.

The ensemble has appeared at major festivals including Ten Days on the Island, Mona Foma, and Dark Mofo, toured nationally for Musica Viva Australia and internationally for Chamber Music New Zealand, and recorded for both ABC Classic and the Swedish label BIS.

Van Diemen’s Band is also a major contributor to the cultural life of lutruwita/Tasmania, presenting a thriving Lunchbox Concert Series across nipaluna/Hobart, pataway/Burnie and Launceston, alongside education programs and community engagement projects.

About the VDB Label

Launched in 2025, the VDB Label marks a bold new chapter in the ensemble’s artistic journey. As a dedicated platform for historically informed recordings and innovative collaborations, the label provides the freedom to shape and share VDB’s creative vision—on its own terms.

With plans for multiple releases each year, the label showcases Van Diemen’s Band’s core repertoire alongside new projects by guest artists and cross-cultural collaborators. Upcoming albums include Van Diemen’s Fiddles, a celebration of traditional and Baroque fiddle music, and Multitudes, a contemporary chamber project by Katie Yap.

Beyond audio, the label supports digital video releases and archival concert films, building a growing body of work that highlights the ensemble’s versatility, curiosity and commitment to storytelling through sound.

ENDS

Media Links

For interviews and media enquiries, please contact:


Media Contact: Samuel Cairnduff 

RESONATE Communications 

samuel.j.cairnduff@gmail.com  | 0401 396 755

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