Rotorua Music Federation

New Zealand String Quartet with Richard Nunns

New Zealand String Quartet

Helene Pohl & Douglas Beilman, violins
Gillian Ansell, viola ; Rolf Gjelsten, cello

Acclaimed for its powerful communication, dramatic energy, and beauty of sound, the New Zealand String Quartet performs more than 60 concerts each year in New Zealand and abroad. Deeply committed to New Zealand music, the quartet has premiered more than 20 works by New Zealand composers

 

Richard Nunns

Richard Nunns has been described as one of New Zealand’s most remarkable musicians. A Pakeha who has become the living authority on Taongo Puoro (Maori traditional instruments) his journey has required a great deal of respect, perseverance and sensitivity – characteristics that inevitably emerge in the depths of his own music.

Programme

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) String Quartet in D minor, K421
The second of a set of six quartets dedicated to Haydn, who later commented to Mozart's father Leopold: "Before God and as an honest man I tell you that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name."

Gillian Whitehead Hine-pu-te-hue
This exciting new work was specially commissioned for the New Zealand String Quartet and Richard Nunns by the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts, with financial support from Creative New Zealand. The combination of stringed instruments and taonga puoru (some of which are made from the gourds with which Hine-pu-te-hue, the Maori Goddess of peace or wahine atua, is associated) makes for a truly magical and memorable musical experience.

Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884) String Quartet No 1 in E minor, "From My Life"
Smetana's intention in this work was to paint a "tone picture" of his life. Fond memories of life and love, dancing and romantic yearning are contrasted with feelings of painful regret. The style of the quartet is very lyrical and accessible, similar to that of his better-known contemporary Dvorak.

Friday April 30 8pm
Rotorua Convention Centre

Bookings via Ticketek

Stop Press: Gillian Ansell is unable to perform in this concert and will be replaced by Victoria Jaeneck, and the Berg Quartet originally advertised will be omitted from the programme (possibly to the relief of those members who prefer the romantics and classics!). We are still expecting a wonderful and full evening's music, and also a learning experience as Richard tells us about some of the instruments he will be playing. Don't miss this concert.

Victoria is a founding member of the VIVA Chamber Orchestra in Nelson and an active recitalist, chamber musician and freelance orchestra player.  She has played extensively in the Frankfurt Opera Orchestra, the Bamberger Symphoniker and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra.