Nexus Live Returns: A Powerful Celebration Of Cultural Connection Through Contemporary Music

Nexus Arts is proud to announce the return of Nexus Live, an electrifying series of contemporary music performances by some of Australia’s most innovative culturally and linguistically diverse and First Nations artists. 

A bold series of contemporary music performances championing intercultural collaboration and innovation and artistically ranges from Persian classical fusion to experimental soundscapes and Baroque-country crossovers, the 2025 program champions artists including Nathan May, ZÖJ, Maryam Rahmani, and Daftar Aval Duo.

Each performance in the Nexus Live program is a unique expression of cultural dialogue, presenting artists who explore identity, belonging and connection through bold musical forms and deeply personal narratives.

“The 2025 season continues Nexus Live’s mission to champion intercultural collaboration and musical experimentation across genres, traditions and stories.” Said Nexus Arts Co-CEO Zhao Liang

“Nexus Live is a space for musical risk-taking, deep collaboration and powerful storytelling. It celebrates the multiplicity of voices that make up contemporary Australia, offering audiences something that is both deeply intimate and globally connected.”

The 2025 Program Includes:

August 16: Daftar Aval Duo

an unforgettable evening of music, poetry and cultural fusion with Daftar Aval Duo, featuring Iranian–Australian qanun player and composer Vahideh Eissaei and ARIA Award-winning cellist and sound artist Zoë Barry.  The duo blends Persian classical and folk music, original compositions, improvisation and spoken word to deliver hypnotic, deeply emotional performances. 

Daftar

For this special event, they will be joined by Silk Strings Ensemble, Nexus Arts’ first-ever artists-in-residence, whose contemporary take on traditional Huqin music bridges disciplines and cultures to create rich, genre-defying soundscapes. Don’t miss this powerful meeting of musical minds and traditions.

Information and tickets: nexusarts.org.au/events/nexus-live-presents-daftar-aval-duo/ 

August 23: launch of Kamand, Maryam Rahmani’s debut album 

Join Iranian born musician Maryam Rahmani as she launches her debut album Kamand, a powerful collection of improvised pieces that blend the beauty of Iranian classical music with new sounds and rhythms. 

Maryam Rahmani

Rooted in ancient Persian modes, Kamand reflects Maryam’s evolving musical identity – one shaped by movement, memory, and the delicate pull between tradition and transformation.

Information and tickets:  nexusarts.org.au/events/kamand-by-maryam-rahmani/ 

October 4: Nathan May with the Adelaide Baroque String Quartet.

A powerful evening of story and song with singer-songwriter Nathan May, as he premiers a new chamber music concert that blurs the lines between contemporary country, folk and Baroque traditions.

Nathan May

May’s extraordinary collaboration weaves country storytelling with Baroque chamber music, in a new work that bridges genres and generations in a collaboration with genre-defying violinist Julian Farraretto and Adelaide Baroque string quartet. May’s songs of connection to country, family and truth-telling are reimagined in lush string arrangements and immersive staging

Information and tickets: nexusarts.org.au/whats-on/ 

October 11: ZÖJ: Give Water to Birds (as part of Nature Festival)

ZÖJ

Returning after a sold-out 2023 show, ZÖJ—featuring Gelareh Pour and Brian O’Dwyer—delivers an emotionally resonant night of improvised neo-classical Persian music and experimental soundscapes. 

Give Water to Birds is a meditative journey through longing, belonging and the delicate balance between silence and sound. This performance is presented as part of the 2025 Nature Festival.

Information and tickets: nexusarts.org.au/whats-on/ 

Join us at Nexus Arts Venue for an unforgettable season of musical storytelling, innovation and connection.

Tickets and full program information available at nexusarts.org.au/whats-on/