Details

A sound-world shimmering with brilliance.

With a reputation as the ‘father of the string quartet’, Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in D, Op.76 No.5 opens this concert. Composed in 1797, it reflects the composer at the height of his powers in the genre. The second movement is of a particularly contemplative, otherworldly quality and a defining feature of this quartet in contrast to the upbeat nature of the surrounding three movements, including a thrillingly bright finale.

Finnish composer Olli Mustonen’s String Quartet No.1, completed in 2016, symbolises — as the composer himself says — a journey from darkness to light. It balances fervent rhythms and hymnal melodies with intertwining psychological and physical elements through the music’s textures and moods, which are said to evoke travel into fantasy worlds.

Finishing this concert is Edvard Grieg’s String Quartet No.1 in G minor, composed in 1877 — a Norwegian gem fusing Romantic melodies and folk influences. Its four movements are marked by emotional depth and nationalistic flair, and a captivating originality that makes it a celebrated work in Grieg’s output.

Concert Rescheduled

Originally scheduled for Monday 28 October, Australian String Quartet wishes to advise that this performance of Aurora has been postponed, and will now take place on Monday 18 November.

The program for this concert will remain unchanged – the quartets of Haydn, Mustonen and Grieg. For this postponed performance of Aurora, the ASQ will be joined by Australian guest cellist, Charlotte Miles. Charlotte is currently based in Germany as a postgraduate student of Professor Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt at the Hochschule für Musik ‘Franz Liszt’ in Weimar, and is a graduate of the Australian National Academy of Music and the University of Melbourne.

ASQ apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding. Dale, Francesca, Chris and Michael are looking forward to delivering an exciting national program for you in 2025.

We are currently in the process of notifying ticket holders. If you have any questions about this concert postponement, please contact our Box Office team at boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au.

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Artists

Australian String Quartet
Dale Barltrop violin
Francesca Hiew violin
Christopher Cartlidge viola
Charlotte Miles guest artist, cello