New Release: Noriko Tadano & ASQ

We are thrilled to release a mini-EP of music for string quartet and shamisen by the wonderful Noriko Tadano.

Our collaboration with composer and shamisen player Noriko Tadano began in 2023 when we were introduced through Adelaide’s Nexus Arts, an incredible organisation leading the way in presenting and promoting culturally diverse and intercultural artistic practice.

From the moment the ASQ musicians joined Noriko in the rehearsal room, there was chemistry. Noriko is a wonderful person and musician, and a rockstar of a performer. A musical pairing of traditional folk instruments with diverse origin stories, we were inspired and delighted by this new and powerful sound-world.

Together with Noriko, the ASQ built an hour-long program featuring traditional and contemporary music with its roots extending from east to west, and performed with her in an array of venues across South Australia. The following year, the musicians performed together again as part of Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Elder Conservatorium’s She Speaks festival of women composers, and went into the studio to record these two works.

Now, we are thrilled to release these recordings—Vertigo and Staircase to the Moon—composed by Noriko Tadano and arranged for string quartet and shamisen by Emily Tulloch.

Watch performances of these two new works or stream on your platform of choice, below.

We hope you enjoy!