New Zealand String Quartet

The New Zealand String Quartet has been attached to Victoria University since 1991. Helene Pohl violin, Douglas Beilman violin, Gillian Ansell viola and Rolf Gjelsten cello are all fine musicians and teachers, their quartet gaining an international reputation to be proud of.

Throughout their recital attention to detail, tonal quality and unity of attack was impeccable, producing a very cohesive sound.

Mendelssohn’s Quartet in E min. op. 44 no.2 is a pleasant work to being a concert, however it took some crisp playing in the final Presto movement to lift the performance to the level maintained thereafter.

The group’s playing of Robert Schumann’s Quartet in F maj op.41 no.2 was totally convincing. There were passages of great tenderness, well modulated arpeggios and a sense of urgency so often associated with this composer.

The final and most substantial work of the evening, Quartet in A min, op.51 no.2 by Brahms imposed considerable demands upon the players, who rose to the occasion with a profound performance, the capacity audience of 230 people responding with prolonged applause.

This was the first concert in the new Brancott Theatre within the Montana Brancott Winery. It is an excellent facility with good acoustics and concert goers may be served refreshments or remain for a meal if they so wish.

The initiative of Montana is commendable for there is now an increasing number of people attending and enjoying musical events in Blenheim.