This month the New Zealand String Quartet will head out on their 2022 National Tour entitled First Light. Reflecting on life, loss and rebirth, the programme is a celebratory embrace of Aotearoa’s newest public holiday, Matariki.
NZSQ will bring First Light to Baycourt Community and Arts Centre in Tauranga on the 7th July. This is the eighth of 14 stops traversing the depth and breadth of Aotearoa in a triumphant return to some well-loved concert venues, wineries, churches and galleries. 2022 marks 35 years since the New Zealand String Quartet was founded as Aotearoa’s first full-time, home-grown string quartet, enabling all New Zealanders to experience world class chamber music at home.
The Quartet’s violist, Gillian Ansell, says “Looking ahead to a new beginning always encompasses the past and our Matariki First Light programme reflects Aotearoa NZ’s forward-looking musical culture alongside its European musical roots.” Taking inspiration from Matariki, the First Light programme will take audiences on a musical journey celebrating those who have come before while looking forward to those yet to come.
First Light is made up of three remarkable and thoughtfully curated programmes; Reflection, Regeneration and Release. Familiar favourites by Schumann, Mozart and the father of the string quartet, Haydn, are given fresh perspectives when paired with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.
The Quartet have brought their signature boundary-pushing flair to this programme to ensure that absolutely everybody, from chamber music pros to wide-eyed newcomers, will find something to connect with.
NZSQ 2022 NATIONAL TOUR | FIRST LIGHT
Thursday 7 July, 7.30pm, Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, 38 Durham Street, Tauranga
Plus, thirteen more concerts at centres around Aotearoa.
Bookings through Tiketek and more information through the NZSQ website.
