The New Zealand String Quartet Photo: Adrian Harris
The New Zealand String Quartet is getting ready to hit the road with one of its largest and broadest national tours - 17 concerts in centres throughout the country, from Invercargill to Kerikeri. The quartet is touring for Arts on Tour New Zealand from 5-27 May.
Bryan Crump spoke with violinist Helene Pohl and cellist Rolf Gjelsten and asked how they were feeling about the upcoming tour.
"After the Covid restrictions over the last two years," says Rolf, "not only are we excited to be performing again but we feel audiences are receiving music in a different way. Perhaps they're more vulnerable or they're ready for an emotional experience, and that's what we can give them."
It'll be the first time the NZSQ has performed in some of the centres included in this tour, such as Balcairn, Roxburgh and Paeroa.
"Playing in a small hall, in intimate surroundings, is a very powerful experience for the string quartet. Often when you play for a thousand people it's a slightly different experience. We're hoping we can really bring people into the intimacy of the medium and the intimacy of the music that we play."
