New Zealand String Quartet with Diedre Irons (Piano)

Programme:

Haydn: String Quartet, Opus 76, No 3 "Emperor"
Shostakovich: String Quartet, No 5 in Bb
Amy Beach: Quintet for Strings and Piano

The New Zealand String Quartet make a welcome return to Waikanae, this time accompanied by popular pianist Diedre Irons. In their 36th year, the quartet is a national treasure in New Zealand's musical life. They not only perform widely throughout New Zealand and overseas, they teach at the NZ School of Music and mentor young musicians through several events, including the annual Adam Chamber Music School. Their programme features one of Haydn's best-loved string quartets, its warm tones and happy melodies contrasting starkly with Shostakovich's dark and dramatic 5th Quartet which was composed during the oppressive days of Stalin's Soviet regime. After the interval we will be treated to the lovely Romantic music of Amy Beach, one of the most important American composers of her time. Her attractive Piano Quintet was composed in 1907.

Door sales will be available, or tickets can be bought from Waikanae New World and Moby Dickens Books in Paraparaumu Beach. For ticket enquiries phone 022 345 5316 or visit www.waikanaemusic.org.nz