Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Tuesday 12 November 2024, Adelaide Town Hall, SA
On Tuesday evening November 12, 2024, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) graced the Adelaide Town Hall with their ‘Aurora’ program, delivering a powerful performance that had us as the audience on the edge of our seats and mesmerised in the beauty of music..
The Adelaide Town Hall, with its storied elegance, exceptional architecture and stellar acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop to the main star – The ASQ. It was a concert that promised – and delivered – an immersive journey through sound, from the luminescence of the classical canon to the deep complexities of modern compositions.
With an enticing program spanning centuries and styles, ASQ once again demonstrated why they are among the finest chamber ensembles in the world.
The Adelaide Town Hall, with its storied elegance and stellar acoustics, played host to an extraordinary musical event on November 12, 2024. The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) presented Aurora, a concert that promised—and delivered—an immersive journey through light and sound, from the luminescence of the classical canon to the deep complexities of modern compositions.
With an enticing program spanning centuries and styles, ASQ once again demonstrated why they are among the finest chamber ensembles in the world.
Setting the Stage…
The Adelaide Town Hall is no stranger to world-class performances, and Aurora fit right into its legacy. The warm wooden tones and stunning chandeliers of the venue provided a perfect visual counterpart to the music. Notably, the acoustics enhanced the ensemble’s every nuance, allowing each plucked string and bowed phrase to resonate with crystalline clarity. The moment the lights dimmed, we knew we were in for one hell of a treat.
Program Overview
The concert featured a thoughtfully curated selection:
- Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in D Major, Op.76 No.5: Showcasing Haydn at his zenith, this piece is renowned for its sublime slow movement in F-sharp major, offering a serene contrast to its lively surrounding movements.
- Olli Mustonen’s String Quartet No.1: Composed in 2016, Mustonen describes this work as “a journey from darkness to light,” blending fervent rhythms with hymnal melodies to evoke a fantastical voyage.
- Edvard Grieg’s String Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.27: A rousing tour de force of romantic melodies infused with Norwegian nationalistic flair, marked by raw emotional power.
Performance Highlights
The ASQ’s interpretation of Haydn’s quartet was both precise and sensationally emotive, capturing the essence of the composer’s brilliance. Mustonen’s contemporary piece was rendered with a balance of intensity and delicacy, reflecting the ensemble’s versatility. Grieg’s quartet concluded the evening with a passionate and dynamic performance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience as we exited down the grand stairs and out to the street below.
Audience Reception
The audience’s response was as enthusiastic as the performances deserved. Each piece was met with rapturous applause, with many audience members rising to their feet at the conclusion of the Grieg quartet. The incredible joy and energy in the hall were a testament to the connection the ASQ created with their listeners.
For those familiar with the ASQ, the evening reaffirmed their reputation as masters of their craft. For the few newcomers, it was likely a transformative introduction to the world of chamber music in which I’m positive they will be clamouring back for more of in the upcoming 2025 program (Which looks magnificent).
Conclusion
The ‘Aurora’ concert by the Australian String Quartet was a masterful and brilliant blend of classical and contemporary works, delivered with exceptional skill and emotional depth. It was a memorable evening that highlighted the ensemble’s commitment to excellence in chamber music.
Dale Barltrop on Violin, Francesca Hiew on Violin, Chris Cartlidge on Viola & Guest Cello; Charlotte Miles are outstanding with their musicianship and turned it on with exemplary finesse.
The Australian String Quartet’s Aurora was more than just a regular concert; it was an experience that illuminated the transformative power of music. From the classical elegance of Haydn to the contemporary complexity of Mustonen and the fiery romanticism of Grieg, the program was a masterclass in storytelling through sound.
With their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and palpable chemistry, the ASQ reminded everyone why chamber music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As the last notes faded into the Adelaide night, one thing was clear: Aurora was a glowing triumph.
Stars? Well, how could I not…
