Acclaimed for its innovative fusion of Persian classical music and contemporary Western music, Eishan Ensemble is proud to announce its latest album, Northern Rhapsody.
This work is centered around the musical form of rhapsody, known for its episodic yet coherent structure. The compositions are precisely crafted while allowing the musicians to freely express their emotions and thoughts, creating an evocative and immersive listening experience.
At the heart of this project is Hamed Sadeghi, a composer and tar virtuoso with a rich heritage in Persian classical music. After years of performing this music throughout Iran and Asia, Hamed Sadeghi moved to Australia ten years ago, seeking to develop his music in a Western environment where he could explore new sounds and directions.
His bold artistic journey has earned him recognition from the Sydney Morning Herald as “one of Australia’s most poetic composers.”
In Northern Rhapsody, Sadeghi’s creative process comes to life through an unconventional configuration of instruments—tar, saxophone, double bass, and percussion.
This unique ensemble creates complex musical landscapes that are both sophisticated and emotionally powerful. The compositions combine virtuoso improvisation with the precision of traditional forms, creating a rich sonic tapestry that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
The album was born during the Eishan Ensemble’s 2024 Australian tour, particularly inspired by his time there. Drawing on the breathtaking landscapes of this land and the experience of navigating new places and identities, Sadeghi weaves these themes into his music.
“My goal is to inspire dialogue, provoke reflection, and awaken emotions that resonate deeply with audiences,” he says.
Sadeghi’s work has been presented on some of the world’s most prestigious stages: Womad, Sydney Opera House, London Jazz Festival, Rome Jazz Festival, Auckland Arts Centre, Melbourne Recital Hall, and Brisbane Festival.
In Northern Rhapsody, he unites his love of Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a body of work that celebrates tradition while boldly exploring new territories.
Northern Rhapsody is not just an album; it is a celebration of tradition and innovation, a reflection on human connection, and an invitation to explore new worlds through music.
Northern Rhapsody is an exploration of the human experience, born from Hamed Sadeghi’s quest to capture the essence of beauty through music. The album delves into themes of connection, transformation, and the journey of navigating new cultures and landscapes.
“Locals often cite soft sand beaches, coastal cliffs, and endless ocean views when describing the best of Australia,” Hamed shares. “As an Iranian living in Australia, I see it differently… it’s inland—the winding rivers, rock formations, the smell of eucalyptus, and vivid orange sunsets over rolling hills.”
Touring regional NSW shaped this work. “I was searching for love and beauty and found them in the Australian landscapes,” he explains. These experiences gave him a second home.
“Of course, I have treasured memories of Iran. It’s in my blood, and Persian culture will always resonate—that’s my home too. But I could never have made this album in Tehran. The rhythm of life is too fast… Quiet places are rare unless you travel to the mountains.”
Hamed’s connection to regional Australia deepened with each tour stop. “I’ve been welcomed into homes, onto stages, and into communities with open arms. Each stop revealed moments of beauty that were distilled into music.”
He vividly recalls an evening in Bellingen: “After a concert, we returned to our accommodation that faced a farm. Dew settled on leaves, a soft fog blurred the silhouette of trees. The silence was broken only by the whispering wind. We sat there for almost an hour.”
“Wherever the beauty is…. That’s my home. I’ve fallen in love with this country.”
This work bridges past and present, East and West, offering a poignant reflection on identity and belonging. “I aim to inspire dialogue, provoke thought, awaken emotions that resonate and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society”.
Northern Rhapsody is deeply personal to me. It’s an exploration of the human experience, born from my quest to capture the essence of beauty through music. The album draws on connection and transformation, it navigates through new cultures and landscapes. Touring regional New South Wales profoundly shaped this work. While many locals describe Australia’s beauty through its beaches and coastal cliffs, I found inspiration inland—the winding rivers, the scent of eucalyptus, and the orange sunsets over hills. These landscapes offered a sense of peace and belonging that resonated deeply with me. I recall an evening in Bellingen: after a concert, we returned to our accommodation facing a farm. Dew on the leaves, a soft fog in the horizon, and the silence was broken only by the whispering wind. We sat there for almost an hour, absorbing the tranquillity. Musically, Northern Rhapsody feels more grounded compared to our previous albums. The compositions are gentle and spacious, emphasizing soundscapes inspired by vast landscapes. I used an unconventional configuration of instruments—tar, saxophone, double bass, and percussion—to create a balance between tightly composed melodies and improvisational sections,- an interview with us said Hamed Sadeghi.
We recommend purchasing this CD, also from here, and enjoying it.
Featured Artists:
Hamed Sadeghi, tar
Michael Avgenicos, saxophone
Adem Yilmaz, percussions
Maximillian Alduca, double bass
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