Singing the Aphrodite myth, and a new take on golden age of Persian contemporary music

Growing up in Iran, Ashkan Shafiei would listen to 'forbidden music' on cassette tapes—songs recorded before the revolution, or by Iranian artists living overseas. Ashkan plays the rubab, a plucked-string instrument popular in Afghanistan, but rarely heard in Iran despite having an ancient history there. Now living in Australia, Ashkan's own music blends 'forbidden music' influences with traditional Persian music and his love of jazz and funk. His new EP Hunter was developed as part of the Artist Accelerator Program by Music in Exile — an initiative supporting artists from non-English language backgrounds to launch music careers in Australia. 

Is it Aphrodite’s fault that the beauty industry has never been more powerful? That’s the question that Aphrodite, a new work by American composer Nico Muhly and Australian playwright Laura Lethlean, asks in its world premiere by Sydney Chamber Opera. Starring Sydney Chamber Opera stalwart Jessica O’Donoghue, and Puerto Rican soprano Meechot Marrero in her Australian debut, it’s an exploration of beauty and pleasure underscored by Omega Ensemble. Jess, Meechot and SCO Artistic Director Jack Symonds join Andy to give a sneak preview of the work.

We say farewell to Terry Harper who is retiring after 49 years tuning the pianos in the ABC studios in Sydney. His work has been heard on thousands of recordings and live performances across Radio National, Jazz, Classic, local radio and more. We’ll hear from Terry about the two essential skills that every piano tuner must have.

Plus, a track to remember Sly Stone who died this week at 82.