Aroha Quartet with Rachel Vernon (clarinet)

In this programme we feature the clear, pure sound of the clarinet. Rachel Vernon, NZSO Principal Bass Clarinet, joins us for two of the best-loved works in the chamber music repertoire: the gorgeous clarinet quintets by Mozart and Brahms. The middle work in this programme is a beautiful arrangement for clarinet and string quartet of Astor Piazzolla's 'Oblivion'.

Acclaimed as demonstrating "accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity" (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealand's finest chamber music ensembles.

Founded in 2004, this versatile Wellington-based quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovation.

The Aroha Quartet is committed to presenting string quartet works from western classical and avant-garde repertoire to traditional Chinese folk music, as well as works for larger forces through collaborations with numerous high-profile musicians.

The Aroha Quartet performs regularly around NZ in centres from the Deep South to the Far North. In 2014 they performed five concerts as part of Chamber Music New Zealand's Kaleidoscope series. Overseas trips have seen them participate in the prestigious International Summer Academy in Austria in 2010, give concerts and masterclasses in China in 2010 and 2013, and perform at the Huntington Music Festival in Australia in 2011.

The Aroha Quartet runs the annual ASQ International Music Academy, a week-long chamber music course. The eighth ASQ Academy took place in Wellington in mid July 2022. The Quartet's third ASQ International Academy in Asia took place in Zhongshan, China, in late January 2020.