SunLive Competition

One of the finest chamber music ensembles performing in New Zealand today, The Aroha String Quartet, plays Tauranga Park Auditorium on Sunday October 3 at 2pm.

Known for their passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovations, the members of the quartet are committed to presenting string quartet works from traditional Chinese folk music to western classical and avant-garde contemporary repertoire.

The concert programme features Beethoven’s first string quartet (Opus 18 No 1), which begins with youthful energy, leading to an Adagio movement which was inspired by the burial scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

Gillian Whitehead’s Moon, Tides and Shoreline was written during the composer’s time spent at Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast. The cello’s low repeated D, which opens the piece, is the fundamental pitch heard in the sea and the restless semi-quavers evoke the continuous movement of waves crashing on the Paekakariki shore.

Tchaikovsky’s third quartet was written as a heartfelt tribute to his close friend, Czech violinist and composer Ferdinand Laub. Its slow movement is especially eloquent and provoked tears from many who were present at its first hearing.

This concert is presented by Tauranga Musica in association with Chamber Music New Zealand.

Tickets are available from Baycourt Ticketdirect and cost $30 for adults $30, under 19s $10.

For further information, phone Barry Ward, 07 576 6774, email barry.ward@clear.net.nz or visit www.tgamusica.co.nz

Competition Results