Concert and workshop featuring Josefina Paulson
with Fredrik Bengtsson and Big Fiddle Little Fiddle
Blackheath, Thursday 15 January 2026
Josefina Paulson (Sweden) is a “riksspelman” and world champion of the modern nyckelharpa. She has enchanted audiences in Australia, USA, Japan, and throughout Europe and Sweden. Her love for travelling through music and culture has been the start of many collaborations with other musicians and dancers who are curious to explore the fusion of traditions.
Josefina returns to Australia in January 2026 to tour with an expanded band including her husband, Fredrik Bengtsson (double bass, mandola) and Naarm-based duo Big Fiddle Little Fiddle featuring cellist Louise Godwin and multi-instrumentalist Jessica Foot (violin, hardanger fiddle, oboe, cor anglais).
This special collaboration will showcase a repertoire spanning Nordic music and original compositions created specifically for the Australian tour. The sounds of Scandinavia will intertwine with contemporary Australian influences to create a tapestry of sound that transcends borders.
As part of this tour, Josefina, Fredrik, Jess and Lou will be spending a very special day in Blackheath, starting with a workshop (2-4pm) and ending with a concert (6-8.30pm).
BLACKHEATH WORKSHOP & CONCERT
2-4pm: Workshop: Tunes from Västmanland with Josefina Paulson (Venue in Blackheath provided when you book tickets)
This workshop is suitable for people of all ages who play a melody instrument. While fiddles in all their different shapes and sizes will be front and centre, all other instruments are welcome (chromatic instruments are recommended).
The focus of the workshop will be learning tunes and exploring how to play them, with an emphasis on style, rhythm and feel.
Tunes will be taught by ear using call and response, with some sheet music provided as a reminder.
6-8.30pm: Concert: Josefina Paulson with Fredrik Bengtsson & Big Fiddle Little Fiddle (Venue: Bates Hall, the smaller hall in Blackheath Community Centre, cnr Gardner Cres and Great Western Highway, Blackheath)