Quartet shows true dedication

Music

The Australian String Quartet returns to Adelaide this month as part of its second national tour of the year.

Their 18 May concert, Dedication, features the winner of the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition, Konstantin Shamray, who will join the ASQ in a performance of Schumann's Piano Quintet.

The concert program begins with Australian composer Gordon Kerry's Variations, chosen as part of ASQ's ongoing and dedicated commitment to supporting Australian works. With its light and delicate textures, Variations will contrast with the following work, Brahms's dramatic and passionate String Quartet in c minor.

"The first half of this program features works that showcase completely different musical thoughts," said ASQ violinist Sophie Rowell.

"Gordon's Variations beautifully uses the delicate balance of conversation that it is uniquely possible to create within a string quartet, whereas Brahms is at his most romantic in this wonderful, turbulent Quartet in c minor."

This tour also welcomes violist Jürg Dähler to the stage, who is sitting in for ASQ member Sally Boud while she is on maternity leave.

"We are really looking forward to incorporating Jürg's distinctive musicality into our quartet sound," Rowell said.

Established in 1985, the ASQ is Quartet in Residence at the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music and is supported by the Government of South Australia and the Australia Council.

The current membership of Sophie Rowell and Anne Horton (violins), Sally Boud (viola) and Rachel Johnston (cello) was established in 2006.

The group will tour Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth before returning to their hometown of Adelaide for the 18 May concert. The quartet will then present an extensive regional tour throughout South Australia presented by Country Arts SA.

Dedication is at 7.00pm 18 May in the Adelaide Town Hall. For more information about the ASQ phone 1800 040 444 or visit: www.asq.com.au

Bookings at BASS: 131 246 or www.bass.net.au