Website created by
ARTISTS: Helene Pohl (violin), Douglas Beilman (violin), Gillian Ansell (viola),
Rolf Gjelsten (cello)
The New Zealand String Quartet, the country’s foremost chamber ensemble, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.
They have forged a major international career, earning the acclaim of critics and the delighted response of audiences. The quartet has particularly distinguished itself through imaginative programming and insightful interpretations of the string quartet repertoire.
The string quartets of Beethoven’s ‘middle’ period, a period in which he expressed heroic and revolutionary sentiments, are substantial and profound works. The group includes the three Quartets of Opus 59, commissioned by Count Razumovsky, Russian Ambassador to Vienna. Completed in 1806 after a year of sketching and composing, these works are symphonic in scope.
Photo by Robert Catto.
Live world-wide: BEETHOVEN! The Complete String Quartets Part Two
Can’t be there? On Wednesday 9 May you can enjoy the concert live and as it happens through live streaming with outstanding Radio New Zealand sound. Over 2400 viewers from 28 countries tuned in for the live streaming of concerts in Part One of the Beethoven cycle, and at 8pm on Wednesday 9 May this link will take you to the auditorium of the Auckland Town Hall for the second programme of Part Two in the cycle; String Quartets Opus 74, 95 and 59 No 3.
- Download the concert programme.
- Watch Part One of the New Zealand String Quartet’s 25th anniversary project, BEETHOVEN!, a complete cycle of Beethoven’s sixteen string quartets in six concerts.
- Get more details on the New Zealand String Quartet's 25th anniversary BEETHOVEN! project.
The sheer joy these players take from performing with each other was evident...Read full reviewStephen Fisher, Manawatu Standard - 23 Apr 2012
A spectacularly virtuosic feel that gathered excitement all the way to the end, with fingers flying and bows sawing wildlyRead full reviewTim Jones, The Tribune - 25 Apr 2012
A smaller, intimate crowd of all ages – two rows in front of me there was a skateboard parked beside one of the audience membersRead full reviewGwyneth Hyndman, The Southland Times - 30 Apr 2012
A quintessential quartet concertRead full reviewAllan Purdy, Taranaki Daily News - 28 Apr 2012
...The four players are supremely professional, offering impeccable musicianship...Read full reviewRay Watchman, Manawatu Guardian - 26 Apr 2012
The quartet is at present at the very top of their gameRead full reviewLindis Taylor, Middle C - 03 May 2012
an absolute triumphRead full reviewAndrew Buchanan-Smart - 09 May 2012
Their playing and ensemble were breathtakingRead full reviewPaul Serotsky, Seen and Heard International - 22 May 2012
What impressive energy! The audience reacted with explosive applause.Read full reviewMargot Hannigan, Nelson Mail - 05 May 2012
After the concert everyone looked as though their souls had been replenished. Brilliant concert!Read full reviewHannah Cone, Dunedin, CMNZ Online Ambassador - 26 Apr 2012