New Zealand String Quartet (from left): Rolf Gjelsten, Peter Clark (incoming second violin), Gillian Ansell, Monique Lapins (outgoing second violin), Helene Pohl Photo: Supplied / NZSQ
The New Zealand String Quartet's Monique Lapins is leaving after eight years with the ensemble. Fellow Australian violinist Peter Clark has been appointed as the quartet's new second violinist.
Bryan Crump recently caught up with the two musicians.
NZSQ violinist Monique Lapins Photo: NZSQ
For Monique, leaving the quartet is a bittersweet time.
"String quartet is such a beautiful, beautiful relationship family. You tour day in, day out, rehearse day in, day out, having many deep conversations about music and life."
"[NZSQ members] Rolf, Gillian and Helene, they are some of the most inspiring and humane people that I've ever had the opportunity to make music with."
"It is like moving out of home, but I'm still going to be there cheering them on. And with Pete coming in, I know it's going to be an exciting new chapter as well for the quartet."
Violinist Peter Clark Photo: Supplied
Incoming second violinist Peter Clark has recently relocated to Wellington permanently to join his fiancée, NZSO Assistant Principal Second Violin, Jessica Oddie.
"I absolutely am looking forward so much to joining this 'family' that Monique talks of, and carrying the baton (as it were) from Monique on into the future."
There'll be a special event on 7 June to farewell Monique and welcome Peter, which will include a performance of Mozart's Quintet in B flat K174 with Monique performing on viola.
Music in the interview
Farr, Gareth: Te Koanga, excerpt - New Zealand String Quartet (Atoll ACD 289)
Dvorak, Antonin: String Quartet No 11 in c Op 61 (1), excerpt - New Zealand String Quartet (RNZ 2022)
