Christopher’s Classics Series XX – 2015 presents “New Zealand String Quartet”

Christopher’s Classics Series XX – 2015 presents “New Zealand String Quartet” on Tuesday 15th September, 8.00pm at Church of St Michael and All Angels, 86 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch

Expect lyricism and depth of passion from the much loved New Zealand String Quartet, as they perform works from the great Russian repertoire, and celebrate the centenary of Douglas Lilburn’s birth.

A pioneer in New Zealand composition, Lilburn was Professor of Music at Victoria University, where his legacy is strongly felt to this day.  As Quartet-in-Residence at the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria, the New Zealand String Quartet has inherited part of that legacy and is in a singular position to interpret his work.  The Quartet’s recently released CD under the Naxos label features all the chambers works for strings by Lilburn, including Phantasy, based on an ancient song, The Westron Wynde, which opens the Christopher’s Classics programme.

Phantasy is followed by Rachmaninov’s atmosphere Romance, an early work showing the hallmarks of his later sumptuous compositions, and then Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 3, considered one of his finest and most powerful works.  During one rendition, the composer himself was moved to tears.  Famously, also the Andante Cantabile movement in Tchaikovsky’s acclaimed Quartet No. 1 moved Tolstoy to tears.

The New Zealand String Quartet is a cornerstone of the Christopher’s Classics series and never fails to delight audiences with meticulously researched, dynamic performances.

Programme:
Lilburn – Phantasy
Rachmaninov – Romance
Shostakovich – Quartet No. 3 in F Major
Tchaikovsky – Quartet No. 1 in D Major

For more information contact: Diana Moir, (03) 355 2691, 021 126 5738, dhmoir@xtra.co.nz

Ticket information: Door sales – cash only!  Adults $40.00; Full-time students $15.00

Bring a cushion to soften the pews at St Michael and All Angels.