A standout weekend at the Castlemaine State Festival celebrated the unifying force of music through performances that drew on traditions from Iran, India, the Balkans, Sudan and Sephardic Jewish culture. The all-female ensemble Resonant Heart captivated audiences with a moving blend of song, poetry, dance and puppetry, highlighting themes of resilience, vulnerability and renewal. Later, Parvyn Singh and Josh Bennet delivered an energetic set that fused sitar, guitar and Indian vocal percussion in the atmospheric surroundings of Holy Trinity Church in Maldon. Together, the performances demonstrated how artistic collaboration across cultures can inspire hope and connection in challenging times.