WELCOME TO OUR 2024 TOURING CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS
Four voices—one vision. The art of the string quartet has captivated musicians for centuries. Indeed, the combination of four parts in harmony with each other forms the very nucleus of musical expression as we know it. The power of the string quartet to speak to the human experience, in ways both profound and utterly fundamental, unites us in our purpose as the Australian String Quartet.
We feel exceptionally fortunate to pursue this art form in the footsteps of the fine musicians before us. Our mission to touch the hearts and minds of people across this vast country has given flight to the ASQ, ever since its formation in 1985. That mission remains as strong as ever.
We invite you to join us in 2024 for our two national programs, Vanguard and Aurora, or come along to one of our festivals in the Southern Grampians of Victoria or the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The four of us have delighted in choosing some extraordinary music that we are deeply passionate about, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Dale, Francesca, Christopher and Michael
Australian String Quartet
VANGUARD
Touring Tue 18 June—Fri 5 July 2024
Pushing the boundaries of the genre, Beethoven and Korngold take the string quartet to new frontiers with these ground-breaking works. We are also thrilled to be giving the premiere performances of Harry Sdraulig’s second string quartet.
BEETHOVEN
String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.127
HARRY SDRAULIG
String Quartet No.2 (National Premiere performances)*
KORNGOLD
String Quartet No.2 in E-flat Major, Op.26
*Commissioned by John Griffiths for his wife Beth
AURORA
Touring Mon 21 October—Fri 22 November 2024
There is a distinct core to the sound of Nordic composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. A powerful chordal resonance pervades the Mustonen and Grieg quartets on this program, which combine with Haydn to reveal a sound-world that shimmers with brilliance.
HAYDN
String Quartet in D Major, Op.76 No.5
OLLI MUSTONEN
String Quartet No.1
GRIEG
String Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.27
DUNKELD FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
Our flagship festival offering celebrates twenty years in 2024.
Over three incredible days, in the heart of Victoria’s Southern Grampians, we take you on a journey into the world of some of the greatest music for keyboard instruments and string quartet. Acclaimed baroque and classical specialist Erin Helyard joins us as the guest artist for works featuring piano, harpsichord and organ.
BAROSSA WEEKEND OF MUSIC
Our newest bespoke experience in South Australia’s most renowned wine region.
Unwind with a premium weekend of music and hospitality centred around the Barossa Valley’s very own Luxury Lodge, The Louise. This weekend offers you an escape unlike any other, featuring dining experiences that showcase the region’s local produce paired with premium local wines and the finest music from the ASQ and our special guests Mark Simeon Ferguson, Kyrie Anderson, Bonnie Grynchuk and Ciara Ferguson.
Fri 30—Sat 31 Aug 2024
This festival will go on sale in early 2024