String quartet returns to Orokonui for sunset show

NZ String Quartet member violist Gillian Ansell. PHOTO: LATTITUDE CREATIVE

The New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) is inviting local music-lovers to join them for an evening of musical storytelling against the stunning backdrop of Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

After sold out concerts in 2024 and 2025, the NZSQ is returning to the ecosanctuary in Dunedin for the concert, to be held this Sunday at 5pm.

NZ String Quartet member, violinist Peter Clark. PHOTO: LATTITUDE CREATIVE

The quartet said they were inviting everyone, including people who had not been to a chamber music concert before, to experience the beauty of music at the beloved venue at sunset.

The visit is part of the NZSQ’s nationwide “Storytellers” tour, and aims to provide an introduction to live string quartet music while supporting the work of Orokonui Ecosanctuary — $10 from every ticket sold will go to support the organisation’s conservation efforts.

Presented during New Zealand Music Month, the “Origins” programme will feature a mix of classical favourites, as well as contemporary and New Zealand works.

NZ String Quartet member, Manu Berkeljon. PHOTO: NZ STRING QUARTET

The programme will explore Franz Schubert’s String Quartet No. 10, New Zealand composer Gareth Farr’s Mondo Rondo, and Universal Veil by young New Zealand composer Mika Cornelius — written for the NZSQ in 2025.

Also presented will be Grammy-nominee Missy Mazzoli’s Death Valley Junction and Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 1.

The concert will be performed by the NZSQ musicians, violinist Peter Clark and founding violist Gillian Ansell, along with special guests violinist Manu Berkeljon and cellist Lavinnia Rae.

The concert will follow the NZSQ’s signature style, with friendly, engaging introductions given before each piece, making the music easy to follow for newcomers and seasoned listeners alike.