New Zealand String Quartet to visit Rotorua

MUSIC: The New Zealand String Quartet will be performing in Rotorua as part of their Heartland Classics tour. PHOTO/BRUCE FOSTER

The New Zealand String Quartet will give an 'up close' concert experience in Rotorua as part of its annual nationwide concert series.

The concert will be on Wednesday August 10 at 6pm at the Blue Baths Tearoom.

While in Rotorua on tour, the New Zealand String Quartet will take their music to the Cantabria Retirement Village to give a free performance.

New Zealand String Quartet Trust manager Christine Argyle said the concert was for residents who would otherwise not have the opportunity to hear the internationally renowned ensemble 'live'. Titled Heartland Classics, the focus is on some of the smaller centres around the country and on intimate venues that suit the music.

Ms Argyle said she spent a weekend in Rotorua earlier this year and was curious to look inside the heritage Blue Baths building.

"When I saw the Tearoom, I immediately thought it would make a great, intimate setting for chamber music.

"The quartet members love to create an 'up close' experience for the audience and the Tearoom will be perfect for that."

The Heartland Classics programme in Rotorua features music by Mozart and Mendelssohn, 19th century Czech composer Dvorak and a short piece written specially for the New Zealand String Quartet by Otago-based composer Dame Gillian Whitehead.

Now in its 29th year, the New Zealand String Quartet has entered a new era in 2016, with the appointment of Australian violinist Monique Lapins.

This is the first change in the ensemble's line-up in over 21 years and their Rotorua concert will be the first opportunity for locals to hear the new combination.

Bookings can be made at www.bluebaths.co.nz or by phoning (07) 350 2119.

DETAILS
WHAT: New Zealand String Quartet Rotorua concert
WHERE: Blue Baths Tearoom
WHEN: Wednesday August 10, 6pm
COST: Tickets between $5 and $40