6 days ago
New Zealand String Quartet To Premiere New Composition By Young Composer On Upcoming North Island Tour
The internationally acclaimed New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpū Tūrū o Aotearoa (NZSQ) is set to embark on its North Island Tour this September, bringing its signature blend of classic and contemporary chamber music to four unique venues. The tour promises a journey across centuries of musical inspiration, including the world premiere of a new work by a talented emerging New Zealand composer.
Audiences will be treated to a programme that showcases the quartet's dynamic style, blending engaging introductions with captivating performances. Two important pieces of classical canon, Haydn's much-loved 'Lark' quartet and Borodin's string quartet no. 2, will bracket a world premiere by Mika Cornelius. Cornelius is the recipient of the 2024/25 NZSQ | SOUNZ Tarling Trust Commission, an award designed to support early-career New Zealand composers. Their composition, ' Universal Veil ' draws inspiration from the hidden, interconnected world of fungi, tracing its strange and wondrous lifecycle.
About receiving the commission award, Cornelius said, 'This is an amazing opportunity to compose for one of New Zealand's most prestigious chamber ensembles, and I'm truly honoured to have been selected. The fungi kingdom has long been an interest of mine; I'm thrilled to learn more about it and express our country's love and connection with te whenua through this composition.'
This tour will take the NZSQ to a variety of unique venues, each offering a distinct experience for concertgoers. They'll begin in Mount Maunganui, where the NZSQ will perform for the first time at the vibrant Totara Street, part of Mauao Performing Arts Centre. Following this, the quartet is excited to make a long-awaited return to the Coromandel, performing at the historic Hauraki House. The ensemble will then return to Paeroa, this time performing at The Refinery, after selling out concerts in the town for two consecutive years. The tour will conclude with a truly special event at Cable Bay Vineyard on Waiheke Island, where the concert experience is elevated with a self guided art tour of the vineyard's collection and a three-course meal included in the ticket price.
With a programme spanning beloved classics and bold new music, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike. Don't miss the chance to witness the New Zealand String Quartet live — awe-inspiring, boundary-pushing chamber music at its best.
Tickets and more information are available at New Zealand String Quartet – 2025 North Island Tour
Thursday 11 September | Totara Street | Mount Maunganui |
Friday 12 September | Hauraki House | Coromandel |
