Spring in Slovenia, summer in Canada, tours around New Zealand: what is not to like about being a member of the New Zealand String Quartet? asks Gillian Ansell.
She should know. Ansell is one of the original members of the quartet, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a tour of the country called ''Dangerous Liaisons''.
''Earlier this year we were in Holland, Germany and Slovenia in April, spring time. It was gorgeous, there was blossom everywhere.
''It's a fantastic life.''
But it is not all play and little work. The three-country tour of Europe was followed by a tour of New Zealand accompanying British pianist Kathryn Stott, then a five-week tour with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, before concerts in Wellington and Auckland, prior to heading to Canada to perform at a couple of music festivals.
That's just since April. And on top of teaching commitments at the New Zealand School of Music at the University of Victoria, Ansell was involved with the Michael Hill violin competition.
''May/June has just been crazy busy.''
The schedule requires its members to have lots of energy and also to keep well, as unlike an orchestra where if you are sick someone can fill in, there is no replacement in a quartet.
''For us, you carry on unless you are very sick. There is no-one to step in on short notice.''
Ansell's answer is to take lots of vitamins and eat well.
''It can be non-stop with no days off or days at home. It can get to the point where you go, 'Wow, I need to take some time off'.''
Not that Ansell would change anything.
She was living in London loving the life of a freelance musician when the opportunity to join the NZSQ as the second violinist arose, but when the viola player left she decided to audition for that role.
''I had played viola as a student and loved it.''
Ansell won the place and has been the quartet's viola player since.
So from 1994 to 2015 Ansell, first violinist Helene Pohl, second violinist Doug Beilman and cellist Rolf Gjelsten made up the quartet.
''For a long period - 21 years - we were very stable. We know each other quite well.''
Then last year Beilman retired and was replaced by Australian Monique Lapins.
''That has been a significant change. To have someone young and fresh. It brings a new dynamic to grow into, which has been very enjoyable.''
Ask Ansell what the past 30 years has been like and she struggles to grasp how long it has been.
''You live one day at a time. Time's a weird fluid thing. I'm proud of what the NZSQ has done and how super active it has become today.''
The quartet has dedicated itself to a wide-ranging repertoire, including ethnic music and supporting New Zealand composers.
''A lot of new string quartet music has been written by New Zealand composers for us.''
The quartet also enjoys playing the classics and returning to old favourites.
''You see more maturity. It feels different. It's a great pleasure to return to the old pieces.''
That has meant as well as showcasing their talents overseas, they have also been highlighting the country's composing talents.
Its commitments with the New Zealand School of Music meant Ansell and its members have taught and coached some of the country's top up-and-coming musicians.
Most of the overseas touring the quartet does is fitted around the university calendar.
One of the highlights of the New Zealand season has been appearing on stage with Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers performing Alexander Ekman's Cacti. The quartet played in and around the dancers during the piece.
''I loved it.''
The quartet's success had been made possible due to great management and a supportive board, she said.
''We've been so fortunate.''
Gaining agents in Washington and London helped increase their overseas touring opportunities.
''Touring is endlessly interesting. You meet nice people who become your friends who you see again next time you come through.''
The latest tour, ''Dangerous Liaisons'', got its name after the quartet noticed how much the subjects of passion and unrequited love feature in many string quartet pieces.
''This is a chance to bring them all together.''
The tour is also a chance for the quartet to revisit some of their favourite places in New Zealand.
In Dunedin, they will be playing for the first time in the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra's new home, Hanover Hall.
''It's a great new venue and so cozy.''
The concert
Dangerous Liaisons, Hanover Hall, Dunedin, Saturday at 7.30pm.
