Decoding Cultural Leadership
Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century.
In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world.
By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate in the community, Decoding Cultural Leadership seeks to gain a deeper perspective on how cultural organisations see their role in the community, how they make hard decisions, and how they address the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Culture and society are deeply connected. Decoding Cultural Leadership explores this complex relationship through deep conversation with our greatest cultural leaders. Join us as we decode cultural leadership.
Decoding Cultural Leadership.
Culture. Society. Conversations
Decoding Cultural Leadership
Episode 27: Julia Fredersdorff: Founder of Van Diemen's Band on building a world-leading baroque ensemble from the heart of Tasmania
In this episode, Sam speaks with Julia Fredersdorff, founder and artistic director of Van Diemen's Band, about:
- Julia's journey from studying baroque violin in Europe to founding Van Diemen's Band in Tasmania
- The challenges and rewards of starting a period instrument ensemble in Tasmania
- Van Diemen's Band's mission to introduce audiences to lesser-known baroque repertoire
- The importance of regional touring and building relationships with communities
- Julia's approach to programming that balances familiar works with more obscure pieces
- Her views on breaking down barriers between performers and audiences
- The vibrant cultural scene in Tasmania and collaborations with other arts organizations
- Future plans for Van Diemen's Band, including experimenting with cross-genre projects
- Julia's philosophy of embracing the "imperfect" in both baroque instruments and performances
Key quotes:
"I want to embrace the imperfect and not be afraid to make mistakes."
"There's so much repertoire that people don't know...it's like the equivalent of a renovator's delight, in that you find this thing and you bring it back, and people go, 'Oh my God, that's so good.'"
"We're on a real mission...to make [our performance spaces] welcoming, and a place that is warm and friendly, not distant."
Links:
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Read Sam's Substack here.
Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff
Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh
Presented in association with Limelight
Decoding Cultural Leadership |
Culture. Society. Conversations