New Zealand String Quartet bringing their Classically Yours programme to Whanganui

The New Zealand String Quartet will perform in Whanganui in April.

The New Zealand String Quartet is bringing their ‘Classically Yours’ programme to Whanganui.

The performance will be the first of Chamber Music Whanganui’s 2023 subscription series. Classically Yours features quartets from the height of the classical era by Mozart and Schubert alongside Shostakovich’s neo-classical first quartet.

There will also be a special offering for Whanganui of short duos for two violins by Whanganui-born composer, Douglas Lilburn.

The Schubert quartet is best known by its nickname, the Rosamunde Quartet. It features the well-loved themes of his incidental music for Rosamunde. To balance the Mozart and Schubert quartets is Shostakovich’s first quartet in C major, Op. 49, which was composed during the summer of 1938.

Shostakovich said that in this quartet he had visualised childhood scenes, somewhat naïve and bright moods associated with spring - a complete contrast to the darker, more intensely brooding moods associated with the composer’s later works.

The New Zealand String Quartet - Helene Pohl and Monique Lapins on violins, Gillian Ansell on viola and Rolf Gjelsten on cello - celebrated their 35th season in the quartet last year.

The New Zealand String Quartet has an established international reputation for its insightful interpretations, compelling communication and dynamic performing style.

The Details:

What: The New Zealand String Quartet’s Classically Yours programme.

When: Thursday, April 6. Doors at 6pm, starting at 7.30pm.

Where: Concert Chamber, Whanganui War Memorial Centre.

Tickets: Available in advance from the Royal Whanganui Opera House Box Office, or at the door (cash only, no Eftpos). Adults $35, seniors $32, students $5. CMW subscription flexi-tickets (four tickets for $105) can also be purchased.