New Zealand string quartet width Michael Houstoun.

The New Zealand String Quartet’s French Connections series in 2008 presented two captivating programmes illustrating the sensuous qualities of French music. The Quartet performed two programmes of beguiling music by Fauré, Debussy, and Ravel, and their successors Henri Dutilleux and Debussy-inspired Japanese composer, Toru Takemitsu. For Fauré’s Piano Quartet they were joined by acclaimed New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun.

The breath-taking use of musical colour, texture, rhythm and imagery in the music of Debussy and Ravel was profoundly influential in the 20th century. Each composer wrote only one string quartet and both works have become popular classics of the chamber repertoire.

Takemitsu, a major Japanese composer of the twentieth century, describes his own music as “a fragrant and tranquil garden where a listener might stroll” – a seductive image for the music of this special concert series.

Programme 1 (with Michael Houstoun)

Dutilleux String Quartet, Ainsi le nuit, (1976)
Ravel String Quartet in F (1902-03)
Fauré Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor Opus 15 (1876-9)

Programme 2

Takemitsu A Way a Lone for string quartet (1981)
Ravel Sonata for violin and cello (1920-22)
Debussy String Quartet in G minor

What the critics said:

…the refinement and delicacy of the players’ palette brought a special hush over the audience.

William Dart The NZ Herald

…inspirational…..energetic and adventurous.

Margot Hannigan, Nelson Mail

…an impressive performance, projecting poise and balance that captivated the listener.

Peter Williams, Hawkes Bay Today