Australian String Quartet takes Voyager on final 2026 national tour

The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) is preparing for a musical expedition with Voyager, its final tour for 2026, taking audiences on a journey through the beauty, complexity and boundary-breaking innovation of some of the most dynamic music for string quartet

Commencing in Perth on 12 October 2026, and touring to Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Voyager is a grand finale tour de force bringing together the raw intensity of Bartok, with the grandeur of Beethoven and other-worldly explorations of Irish composer and violist Garth Knox.

The program opens with Knox’s Satellites, reuniting the Quartet with the composer’s work for the first time since sharing the stage with Knox at the 2025 Adelaide Festival.

Satellites takes the string quartet into orbit exploring the sonic possibilities of four string instruments inviting audiences on a journey through space, movement and sound.

Written in 2015 and originally commissioned for the Kronos Quartet in Seattle in 2016, Knox’s Satellites brings a contemporary edge to Voyager and presents an opportunity for audiences around Australia to experience this internationally acclaimed work.

According to ASQ violist Christopher Cartlidge, Satellites perfectly sets the scene for an immersive concert experience.

“Satellites transports us to another world, taking our instruments and playing to another level. Together, we go on a journey through the music - feeling every shift in the sound as we move through a series of emotional dimensions.”

For Cartlidge, the program provides a fitting finale to a highly successful 2026 season for the ASQ.

“The pairing of Knox, Bartók and Beethoven is an incredible send-off for the year. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate and continue pushing the boundaries of string quartet music.”

For more information and bookings for Voyager please visit asq.com.au or call their friendly team on 1800 040 444 during business hours.

VOYAGER NATIONAL TOUR DATES

Perth Mon 12 Oct, 7pm
Sydney Mon 19 Oct, 2pm
Sydney Tue 20 Oct, 10.30am
Mount Barker (SA) Thurs 20 Oct, 10.30am
Adelaide Fri 23 Oct, 7pm
Canberra Sun 25 Oct, 2pm
Brisbane Tue 27 Oct, 7pm
Melbourne Thurs 29 Oct, 7pm

PROGRAM

Garth Knox Satellites
Bartók String Quartet No.4
Beethoven String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.130,
and Grosse Fuge, Op.133

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN STRING QUARTET

(ASQ) is Australia’s pre-eminent organisation dedicated to string quartet music and Quartet-in-Residence at Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts.

Defined by excellence in performance and the joy of musical expression, the ASQ’s DNA comprises three inseparable parts. At the centre is the Quartet - four full-time musicians, each a creative force in crafting the world’s most dynamic and intimate music. Surrounding the Quartet is an innovative production company that presents, tours, records, and promotes exceptional artistry. Sustaining this, is a vital community of partners including a national Board, visionary Patron - Maria Myers AC, Major Partner - Adelaide University, Instrument Partner—UKARIA and Government Supporters.

Together, the ASQ celebrate music from the past to the present, from near and afar, and strive to reflect contemporary Australia through their performances, collaborations, advocacy, learning programs, and development of new work. Their landmark ASQ Richard Divall Australian Music Fund, supports the ensembles ground-breaking Australian Anthology project that proudly champions the work of Australian artists.

They are energised by their purpose to create chemistry and amplify intimacy through experiences that engage people across regional and metropolitan Australia and around the world.

Dale Barltrop plays a 1784 Guadagnini Violin, Turin
Francesca Hiew plays a 1748-49 Guadagnini Violin, Piacenza
Chris Cartlidge plays a 1783 Guadagnini Viola, Turin
Michael Dahlenburg plays a c.1743 Guadagnini Violoncello, Piacenza