Latest news with #GillianAnsell
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Spellbinding performance
NEW ZEALAND STRING QUARTET AT OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARY Saturday, May 10. The wonder, joy and drama of music kept a capacity audience spellbound during a thrilling performance by the New Zealand String Quartet at Orokonui Ecosanctuary on Saturday. Silhouetted against the background of sunset over the ecosanctuary's forested hills, the quartet, comprising long-standing violist Gillian Ansell, recently appointed violinist Peter Clark, and guest musicians Arna Morton (violin) and Callum Hall (cello), were magnificent throughout. The concert opened with New Zealand composer Salina Fisher's extraordinary Torino — Echoes on Putorino improvisations by Rob Thorne, a beautiful, contemplative exploration of the sounds of taonga pūoro traditional Māori instruments. The NZSQ performance was spellbinding in its gentle evocation of these ancient instruments, giving a wonderful feeling of peace. The NZSQ then shifted gear to tackle the fast-paced, youthful exuberance of Shostakovich's String Quartet No 1 in C major, working seamlessly together to draw out its shifts in tone and tempo. The concert's second half featured Grieg's monumental String Quartet in G minor, a sprightly, virtuosic four-movement work, with the NZSQ bringing its complex, orchestral texture to the fore. Led by Morton in the first violin role, the quartet were superb throughout the work, tackling its many rapid runs and trills at breakneck speed and earning a well deserved shout of excitement from the audience at its conclusion. Following sustained applause, the NZSQ returned to treat the audience to a jaunty rendition of the Stuart Reel, which really got the toes tapping. All in all, the New Zealand String Quartet's appearance at Orokonui Ecosanctuary was a fabulous musical showcase in very special surroundings. Bravo!
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Ecosanctuary concert returns
Gillian Ansell, NZSQ violist. Photos: supplied Following a sell-out performance last year, a new-look New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) will return to perform at Orokonui Ecosanctuary Te Korowai o Mihiwaka this month. The concert, which will be held Saturday, May 10, at 5pm at Orokonui Ecosanctuary cafe, marks the return of the popular quartet to the city, with a fresh programme of music, NZSQ said in a statement. Peter Clark, NZSQ violinist. The programme will feature music bridging the ancient and modern. These will include Tōrino — echoes on pūtōrino improvisations by Rob Thorne, a powerful and haunting piece by New Zealand composer Salina Fisher, the emotional intensity of Shostakovich's 3rd String Quartet and the passionate Nordic drama of Grieg's sweeping G minor Quartet. Arna Morton, NZSQ guest violinist. For this concert, long-standing NZSQ violist Gillian Ansell will be joined by recently appointed violinist Peter Clark, along with Christchurch-based guest musicians Arna Morton (violin) and Callum Hall (cello). As the NZSQ's mission is to share the joy of chamber music with all through accessible and engaging performances, each piece of music will be introduced by the quartet members themselves. Callum Hall, NZSQ guest cellist. The concert is a partnership between NZSQ and Orokonui Ecosanctuary and a portion of the ticket price will be donated to support the ecosanctuary's vital work with wildlife. Tickets are available via — APL
