Australian String Quartet NATIONAL SEASON 2018

ADELAIDE CANBERRA PERTH SYDNEY The human mind is fertile soil for new ideas to take root. When given sufficient space to flourish, these ideas can explode into a fantastical garden of possibilities – redefining the way that we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Unleash the Mind In our busy lives, moments for this kind of joyful and rejuvenating mind-wandering are precious few. The Australian String Quartet’s National Season 2018 cultivates these vital opportunities for culture. We invite you to join us. Angelina Zucco Chief Executive Australian String Quartet Welcome

Welcome to the Australian String Schubert warms the soul with a Quartet 2018 season. From the beguiling concoction of musical surging momentum of Philip Glass tenderness and dramatic sensibility, to the contemplative closure of alongside the tenth quartet of Shostakovich’s tenth string quartet, Shostakovich, which journeys we are pleased to present a menu through a rich landscape of shifting of works that will traverse the vast characters, all evoking a sense spectrum of human emotions. of the composer’s search for understanding and wisdom. Major works of the master composers, Mendelssohn, We eagerly anticipate the premiere Beethoven, Schubert and of a newly commissioned string Shostakovich headline each quartet by Perth-based composer, program. Interspersed among James Ledger. Brett Dean’s brilliant these milestones are a selection first string quartet, Eclipse, will be of audacious contributions from paired with the iconic American leading figures of the contemporary minimalist, Philip Glass, and musical world. Through the lens Jörg Widmann’s wildly theatrical of these modern works, the Hunt Quartet will offer a flight masterworks of the past are viewed of fantasy amidst two towering in a new light, restoring the potency achievements of Beethoven. of their uplifting spirit. This is a journey of contrasts that will Mendelssohn banishes the clouds ignite your senses and provide food to allow the sun to radiate gloriously for thought. In the spirit of curiosity in the most uplifting of all of his and adventure, we invite you to string quartets. Beethoven’s join us as we uncover these musical life traversed magnificence gems, old and new. and struggle, reflected in the Dale, Francesca, Stephen & Sharon extraordinary trajectory of the sixteen string quartets that span his career. His very first and last quartets, whilst worlds apart, are remarkably similar in the sense of unshaded classicism they share. Glass Dean Mendelssohn Tour 1

Philip Glass reflects upon the life Philip Glass String Quartet no 3 Mishima of the iconic poet Yukio Mishima in Brett Dean String Quartet no 1 Eclipse a work of great evocative power, Mendelssohn String Quartet in D major op 44 no 1 gripping in its vivid musical imagery of the controversial artist’s turbulent Canberra Sun 11 February, 2pm life. Brett Dean’s art is driven by Sydney Mon 12 February, 7pm serious concerns and his first string Thu 15 February, 7pm quartet responds to the events of Melbourne Fri 16 February, 7pm the refugee crisis, through music Perth Mon 19 February, 7pm of haunting eeriness and explosive Brisbane Thu 22 February, 7pm anger reaching tentatively towards the hope for peace. The intensity of these opening works finds a perfect counterpoise in Mendelssohn’s radiant String Quartet in D major, where the composer marshals the full resources of his prodigious musicality in a virtuosic creation of musical sunshine. With all the ecstatic brilliance of the composer’s most joyful music, the quartet reminds us of music’s power to revive the spirit. Beethoven Widmann Beethoven Tour 2

The spirit of Beethoven fuels Beethoven String Quartet in F major op 135 this dramatic recital, juxtaposing Jörg Widmann String Quartet no 3 Hunt Quartet the first and last of his masterful Beethoven String Quartet in D major op 18 no 3 quartets. In 1826, Beethoven’s personal life Brisbane Tue 26 June, 7pm had descended into swirling chaos. Sydney Fri 29 June, 7pm But the majestic opus 135 Quartet Canberra Sun 1 July, 2pm he composed in that year gives no Melbourne Tue 3 July, 7pm hint of it. The quartet is a miracle Adelaide Thu 5 July, 7pm of transcendent beauty where Perth Mon 9 July, 7pm Beethoven reconciles the competing sensibilities of classical order and radical Romanticism, to find consolation in the work’s restorative harmony. German composer Jörg Widmann channels the spirit of Beethoven the innovator in a work of mischievous iconoclasm, transforming the driving rhythms of the seventh symphony into a startling tour-de-force of the art of performance. Published in 1801, the first quartet announces Beethoven’s arrival as musical wunderkind of the new century. The young composer exhibits his command of the style of the master composers, Mozart and Haydn, and points forward to the ways he would transcend them. Schubert Ledger Shostakovich Tour 3

Works by two of the great quartet Schubert String Quartet no 13 in A minor Rosamunde composers bookend this fascinating James Ledger String Quartet no 2 Transmissions* program. Schubert considered Shostakovich String Quartet no 10 his thirteenth quartet to be a new in A-flat major op 118 beginning, where a command of *World premiere performances dramatic expressiveness, gathered from his recent experiments in Perth Wed 26 September, 7pm composing for plays and opera, Brisbane Mon 1 October, 7pm infuses his natural lyrical gift with Melbourne Tue 2 October, 7pm a new dimension of emotional Sydney Wed 3 October, 7pm and pictorial power. Canberra Sun 7 October, 2pm Shostakovich wrote his tenth Adelaide Tue 9 October, 7pm quartet at the idyllic spa resort of Dilizhan and the spirit of respite and communion with nature lends the work a rare sense of ease. But powerful feelings are by no means absent and in its wild twists of mood and pace, the quartet essays a rich journey towards emotional wisdom. A contemporary flavour is added with an electric new work by James Ledger, now a leading figure among Australia’s composers, renowned for his ability to create striking imagery in musical form. From our home base at the our successful flagship festivals in for the Metropolis New Music University of Adelaide, Elder the Southern Grampians, Victoria Festival, our collaboration with Australian Conservatorium of Music, we and Western Australia’s Margaret the Port Fairy Spring Festival to reach out across Australia and River and pilot a new mini-festival celebrate the Songlines of this the world to engage people on the north-coast of New South country through the inspirational String with an outstanding program Wales. Among other highlights, ‘Quartet and Country’ project; and of performances, workshops, 2018 welcomes international our partnership with Jumpgate VR commissions and education tours to China and Europe; regional on the development of our new Quartet projects. Our distinct sound is and metropolitan residencies; ASQ digital platform. enhanced by a matched set Australian recording initiatives; Left to right: For over 30 years, the Australian of 18th century Guadagnini intimate Close Quarters gigs String Quartet (ASQ) has created instruments, handcrafted by in unique spaces across the Dale Barltrop plays a unforgettable string quartet Giovanni Battista Guadagnini country; and the continuation of 1784 Guadagnini Violin, Turin. performances for national and between c.1743 and 1784 in our successful morning series at Francesca Hiew plays a international audiences. Dedicated Turin and Piacenza, Italy. These UKARIA Cultural Centre. 1748-49 Guadagnini Violin, to musical excellence with a precious instruments are on loan As we continue our collaboration Piacenza. distinctly Australian character, for our exclusive use through with some of the country’s finest Stephen King plays a our purpose is to create chemistry the generosity of UKARIA. artists, festivals and innovators, our 1783 Guadagnini , Turin. and amplify intimacy through Our 2018 program is rich with 2018 program of activity includes: experiences that connect people Sharon Grigoryan plays a exciting opportunities. Alongside our association with the Melbourne with string quartet music. c.1743 Guadagnini Violoncello, our National Season, we continue Symphony Orchestra Piacenza, ‘Ngeringa’. James Season Venues Ledger Overview & Dates Guest Composer

James Ledger’s first string quartet, Ledger enjoys an ongoing Tour 1 Adelaide Processions, was commissioned collaboration with songwriter 11 – 22 February 2018 Adelaide Town Hall by the Australian String Quartet in Paul Kelly. Their song-cycle Philip Glass 7pm 2011. He is a versatile composer Conversations with Ghosts won String Quartet no 3 Mishima Thu 15 February with a breadth of work spanning an ARIA award in 2013. In 2015 the Brett Dean Thu 5 July chamber ensemble, solo works and Sydney and New Zealand Symphony String Quartet no 1 Eclipse Tue 9 October orchestral music, and is well-known Orchestras simultaneously premiered Mendelssohn Brisbane to Australian concertgoers. War Music for choir and orchestra, String Quartet in D major op 44 no 1 Conservatorium Theatre with text by Kelly. South Bank He has been composer-in-residence Tour 2 with the West Australian, Adelaide He is currently lecturer in composition 7pm 26 June – 9 July 2018 Thu 22 February and Christchurch (NZ) Symphony at the School of Music at the Beethoven Orchestras and at the Australian University of Western Australia. Tue 26 June String Quartet in F major op 135 Mon 1 October National Academy of Music, the Jörg Widmann Australian Festival of Chamber String Quartet no 3 Hunt Quartet Canberra Music (Townsville) and the Four Beethoven Gandel Hall Winds Festival (Bermagui). He has String Quartet in D major op 18 no 3 National Gallery of Australia won APRA Art Music Awards for his 2pm violin concerto Golden Years and the Tour 3 Sun 11 February orchestral work Chronicles. 26 September – 9 October 2018 Sun 1 July Schubert Sun 7 October* String Quartet no 13 in A minor Rosamunde Melbourne James Ledger Melbourne Recital Centre “James Ledger has String Quartet no 2 Transmissions 7pm established an impressive Shostakovich Fri 16 February reputation as a symphonic String Quartet no 10 in A-flat major op 118 Tue 3 July composer, and his foray in Tue 2 October the rarefied world of string Perth quartet is a triumph.” Government House Ballroom The Australian 7pm Mon 19 February Mon 9 July Wed 26 September Sydney City Recital Hall 7pm Mon 12 February Fri 29 June Wed 3 October

*James O Fairfax Theatre National Gallery of Australia SUBSCRIBE Get closer National Season 2018 ONLINE to the music Booking Form asq.com.au

Why subscribe? Step 1: Subscriptions Enjoy a range of exclusive benefits Select your city and indicate in the boxes how many of each subscription you require. as an ASQ subscriber. In addition to Add required service fee and any extra options and calculate the total. great savings, priority seating and free concert programs, subscribers Subscription Adelaide Brisbane *Canberra Melbourne Perth Sydney receive two bonus tickets. Valued at Standard @ $207 @ $207 @ $192 @ $225 @ $225 @ $225 over $150, these bonus tickets are (Std) our gift to you and we encourage Concession @ $159 @ $159 @ $150 @ $174 @ $174 @ $174 you to share them with friends. (Conc) Get closer to the music with an Under 30 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 ASQ National Season subscription (U30) and become a valued member of our extended family. Plus 1 @ $8.95 1 @ $12.00 N/A N/A 1 @ $7.20 1 @ $8.00 Box Office Early bird subscription offer Fee Subscribe to the ASQ National Subtotal $ $ $ $ $ $ Season by 30 November 2017 and Pensioners, Healthcare Cards (including Seniors Health Cards) and full-time students are eligible for concession. you will automatically enter the draw We regret that Seniors Cards are not eligible for a concession. Please include photocopied proof of your status. to be treated to a meal with Dale, Francesca, Stephen and Sharon, Extra Options: Student Gifts & Donations together with three of your friends. The prize will be drawn 1 December I wish to gift 2017. Visit asq.com.au for terms an Under 30 and conditions. subscription to a student @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 @ $75 I wish to make a tax deductible donation $ $ $ $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ $ $ $ Grand Total $ $ $ $ $ $

Step 2: Seating Preference Please indicate your seating preferences (ie aisle, centre, near stage), and please advise if you use a wheelchair, have hearing difficulties or have any other seating requirements.

*Canberra seating is general admission, however subscribers will be seated in a premium reserve. Step 3: Subscriber Bonus Tickets Each subscriber household is entitled to receive two bonus tickets to introduce a guest/s to the ASQ. You can request two tickets for one concert or one ticket for each of two concerts.

Concert Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3

Date February June / July September / October

Number of tickets Bonus tickets will be sent at the same time as your subscription tickets. Bonus seating is allocated separately to subscription seating. Please note you will not be located next to your bonus ticket guests. Please send the Subscriber Bonus Tickets to Self Guest Nurturing GUEST NAME tomorrow, ADDRESS today. Step 4: Your Details

TITLE NAME SURNAME As Australia’s string quartet, we proudly and continuously strive to ADDRESS cultivate a rich and inclusive musical culture in Australia, and we are SUBURB STATE POSTCODE setting our sights high as we look PREFERRED CONTACT NUMBER to the future. We aspire to captivate new EMAIL audiences, broaden our channels of Would you like to receive E-News updates from the ASQ? connection, deepen our commitment to regional audiences and deliver Would you like to receive information about ASQ festivals? more programs that inspire and engage the next generation of Would you like to receive information about leaving a bequest to the ASQ in your will? audiences and musicians. As champions of Australian music, Step 5: Payment Method we are passionately committed Please choose your payment method: to showcasing more work by our country’s very own music-makers. Cheque/Money Order Made payable to the Australian String Quartet Credit Card Mastercard Visa It is only with your support that we can achieve our vision for tomorrow.

CARD NO Your donation will ensure that we can continue to thrive as Australia’s NAME ON CARD EXPIRY DATE / national string quartet. Your support will help to nurture a SIGNATURE musical legacy. Please donate today. Step 6: Submitting your booking form asq.com.au/support MAIL Reply Paid 60687, Australian String Quartet Bookings The University of Adelaide, SA 5005 FAX 08 8313 4389 PHONE Freecall 1800 040 444 to book using your credit card or for any queries. ASQ Festivals

Join the Australian String Quartet “A superb musical feast...” and guest artists for two exquisite Dunkeld Festival Guest regional festivals in 2018. Set in For more information or to intimate surrounds, experience the book today visit asq.com.au rejuvenating power of chamber or call 1800 040 444. music coupled with the stunning vistas of Margaret River, Western Australia and Dunkeld, in Victoria’s Southern Grampians.

Margaret River Weekend of Music Dunkeld Festival of Music Friday 6 – Sunday 8 April 2018 Friday 13 – Sunday 15 April 2018 Sunday 15 – Tuesday 17 April 2018 Savour the best of the spectacular Western Australian wine region Relish moments of tranquillity and with a great musical adventure at calm at the ASQ’s Dunkeld Festival Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix and of Music. With intimate concerts Clairault | Streicker Wines and in the charming Mt Sturgeon Cape Lodge. With matched food Woolshed and Myers’ Library and and wines from the region’s finest warm hospitality by the iconic wineries, enjoy a feast for the senses Royal Mail Hotel, tickets to this as the Quartet presents a compelling festival are in high demand. Among program of . The the program highlights, pianist ASQ will be joined by Australia’s Brenda Jones and clarinettist acclaimed soprano, Sara Macliver Dean Newcomb, join the Quartet and Dean Newcomb, Principal to perform two masterpieces by Clarinet, Adelaide Symphony Brahms – his glorious Piano Quintet Orchestra, to present works by in F minor opus 34 and his Schubert, Handel and Mozart. heart-warming Clarinet Quintet. Official Partners Single Major Partner ticket prices

Available from 1 December 2017 Perth Std $85, Conc $65, U30 $30 Government Supporters Adelaide Ticketek 1300 795 012 Std $79, Conc $60, U30 $30 ticketek.com.au BASS 131 246, bass.net.au Sydney Brisbane Std $85, Conc $65, U30 $30 Std $79, Conc $60, U30 $30 City Recital Hall (02) 8256 2222 QTIX 136 246, qtix.com.au cityrecitalhall.com Major Patrons Canberra Student Rush Std $75, Conc $65, U30 $30 $15 tickets are available one hour ASQ 1800 040 444 , asq.com.au prior to concert start on presentation Melbourne of a full-time student card. Leader Sponsor Violist Sponsors Cellist Sponsors Std $85, Conc $65, U30 $30 Transaction fees may apply. Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office THE UNIVERSITY PHILIP MRS JOAN LYONS & PETER & OF ADELAIDE BACON MRS DIDY McLAURIN LYNDSEY HAWKINS (03) 9699 3333 melbournerecital.com.au Instrument Partner

National Season Partners National Wine New South Wales & Victoria Queensland Canberra Sponsor Tour Partner Co-presenting Partner Co-presenting Partner

Sydney Accommodation Sponsor Luxury Menswear Partner

Other Partners

National Season 2018 creative – Illustration/animation by Chris Edser. Photography by Jacqui Way. Design & art direction by Cul-de-sac Creative. Printed by Print Solutions SA. ASQ Board Alexandra Burt Nicholas Callinan AO (Chair) Bruce Cooper Janet Hayes Marisa Mandile Paul Murnane Maria Myers AC Susan Renouf Jeanette Sandford-Morgan OAM Suzanne Stark Angelina Zucco – Chief Executive

Australian String Quartet

Quartet–in–Residence The University of Adelaide SA 5005 Australia T 1800 040 444 (Freecall) F +61 8 8313 4389 E [email protected] W asq.com.au AustralianStringQuartet @ASQuartet @australianstringquartet