Ritual & Rebellion

Featuring Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek and Maryam Rahmani.

Concert update: Due to the global impacts of the current conflict in the Middle East on international travel, including multiple regional airport and route closures, Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou (Morocco) are unfortunately unable to travel to Australia in time for their performance as part of Ritual & Rebellion. Our thoughts are with them and all those affected by the conflict.

In happier news, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek’s travel has not been impacted, and we’re delighted to announce that their opening act will now be Iranian-born Santur player and singer, Maryam Rahmani.

In this electrifying double-bill, witness a celebration of musical cultures that transcends borders and defies convention. As part of their 2026 national tour including appearances at WOMAD, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek and Maryam Rahmani make their MRC debut in a back-to-back journey through ritual and rebellion, honouring sacred traditions whilst fearlessly challenging the status quo.

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek

Experience the show-stopping intensity of Derya Yıldırım backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Şimşek as they perform their latest album, Yarın Yoksa. Produced by Grammy-winning Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), this standout record challenges genre with a powerful message.

Referring to themselves as "outernational" over international, suggesting a sound that's more inclusive, the group embodies borderless musical identity. Derya, who sings and plays the bağlama (a seven-stringed Turkish lute), is German-born to Turkish parents. Drummer Helen Wells is Berlin-based by way of South Africa, whilst keyboard player Graham Mushnik and guitar/bass player Antonin Voyant are both French. The collective influences they bring to Anatolian folk music make for a completely fresh sound, one that pushes the genre forward whilst championing its rich heritage.

Maryam Rahmani

The music of Iranian-born Santur player and singer, Maryam Rahmani, is a masterful interplay of rhythm and poetry. Having studied classical Iranian music in Tehran, she has continued to explore the genre, while absorbing the influences of Persian literature and poetry, and also Spanish rhythms she discovered through flamenco dancing. Since moving to Adelaide in 2019, Maryam has continued to share Iranian traditions and culture through her artistry and has worked with numerous musicians in different genres to create shared experiences through the universal language of music. Her debut album Kamand reflects Maryam’s growing collaborative practice in Australia. Drawing from past work with ensembles including Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Baroque and Australian Art Orchestra, as well as her participation in international residencies, such as Banff Centre’s Soundweaving, this album marks a personal and creative turning point.

Special Guests

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek and Maryam Rahmani will be supported by Surprise Chef / College of Knowledge DJs.

Tickets 

Premium $85
A Reserve $75
B Reserve $65

A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.

Artists 

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek
Maryam Rahmani

Surprise Chef / College of Knowledge DJs special guests