New Zealand String Quartet

The New Zealand String Quartet’s ‘Storytellers: Legend’ programme starts with Beethoven’s high-octane and form-breaking ‘String Quartet No. 11 Op. 95,’ which still surprises and thrills audiences today. Then follows Claire Cowan’s ‘Scenes from Hansel and Gretel’ - a magical reimagining of her internationally celebrated ballet score which was the first full-length ballet composed by a New Zealand woman. In support of the next generation of composers, the programme includes a brand-new piece from a competition run by the NZSQ for emerging composers studying at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. The winning work will be announced shortly. Closing out their 2026 season while marking the 50th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s death, the NZSQ will perform his third and final string quartet, Op. 94. This quietly luminous piece, based on themes from his final opera, ‘Death in Venice’, was the last major work Britten ever composed and serves as a poignant musical farewell. In signature NZSQ style, the musicians will introduce each piece and share the stories and connections behind the works. So, whether this is your first or fortieth chamber music concert, all are welcome!