This June the New Zealand String Quartet will head out on their 2022 National Tour entitled First Light. Reflecting on life, loss and rebirth, the programme is a celebratory embrace of Aotearoa’s newest public holiday,
Matariki.
NZSQ will kick off the tour on Sunday 12 June in Martinborough. This is the first of 12 stops traversing the depth and
breadth of Aotearoa in a triumphant return to some well-loved concert venues, wineries, churches and galleries. 2022
marks 35 years since the New Zealand String Quartet was founded as Aotearoa’s first full-time, home-grown string
quartet, enabling all New Zealanders to experience world class chamber music at home.
The Quartet’s violist, Gillian Ansell, says “Looking ahead to a new beginning always encompasses the past and our
Matariki First Light programme reflects Aotearoa NZ’s forward-looking musical culture alongside its European musical roots.” Taking
inspiration from Matariki, the First Light programme will take audiences on a musical journey celebrating those who have come before while looking forward to
those yet to come.
First Light is made up of three remarkable and thoughtfully curated programmes; Reflection, Regeneration and Release. Familiar
favourites by Schumann, Mozart and the father of the string quartet, Haydn, are given fresh perspectives when paired
with introspective works by Natalie Hunt, Lyell Cresswell, Grażyna Bacewicz and more.
The Quartet have brought their signature boundary-pushing flair to this programme to ensure that absolutely everybody,
from chamber music pros to wide-eyed newcomers, will find something to connect with.
NZSQ 2022 NATIONAL TOUR | FIRST LIGHT
Martinborough - 12 June
Auckland - 17/18 June
Dunedin - 29 June
Timaru - 30 June
Akaroa - 2 July
Christchurch - 2 July
Tauranga - 7 July
Napier - 8 July
Wellington - 13 & 24 July
Nelson - 16 July
Blenheim - 17 July
Hamilton - 22 July
Bookings and more information through Eventfinda’s website or call 0800 BUY TIX
ENDS
For more details, high resolution images, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Tyler Clarke | Marketing Coordinator, NZ String Quartet | media@nzsq.org.nz | 04 499 8883
P O Box 8071 | The Terrace | Wellington 6143
P: +64 4 499 8883 W: www.nzsq.org.nz