The Australian String Quartet (ASQ), the country’s pre-eminent organisation dedicated to string quartet music, will celebrate 40 years with the ASQ’s BIG GIG, a day of free performances, exhibitions and immersive experiences at South Australia’s iconic Adelaide Town Hall.
Over three special community events presented in partnership with the City of Adelaide and CreateSA on Sunday 28 September 2025 the ASQ’s BIG GIG welcomes audiences into the world of Australia’s pre-eminent string quartet. In partnership with supporting philanthropic foundations and community organisations, the ASQ is welcoming people from across South Australia to experience an up-close performance with the ASQ.
Each family-friendly session will feature an exclusive performance by the ASQ, a showcase of emerging string quartets, a celebration of the Quartet’s rich history and an opportunity to be fascinated by Square Circles VR, an immersive artwork collaboration by Jumpgate, Go Patterson Films and the Australian String Quartet, directed by William Barton and Stephen King.
According to ASQ Chief Executive, Angelina Zucco, the ASQ’s BIG GIG is an opportunity to celebrate the Quartet’s ruby milestone with the South Australian community.
“Honouring our deep South Australian heritage, the ASQ’s BIG GIG is our signature 40th Anniversary celebration for the community. It’s a chance to celebrate the ASQ’s rich legacy while showcasing the outstanding breadth of what we do as a national performing arts organisation” Ms. Zucco said.
Founded in Adelaide in 1985, the ASQ has been Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music since 1991.
“Our community and supporters have been at the heart of the ASQ since its formation—they’ve made it possible for us to share music that spans centuries and continents. What truly drives us as a quartet is the magical exchange that happens in live performance, those shared moments where music creates genuine connections. ASQ’s BIG GIG is our chance to celebrate with our longtime supporters while introducing new people to the music we love”.
We are also grateful for the generosity of our project partners in the City of Adelaide, CreateSA, and the private philanthropic foundations including the Aldridge Family Endowment and Ian Wallace Family Bequest who have made these concerts free and accessible, she said.
The ASQ’s 40-year celebrations are a major coup for South Australian audiences. Minister for Arts, Hon Andrea Michaels, MP said:
“The Malinauskas Government is proud to support this event celebrating 40 years of the Australian String Quartet. I encourage people to come along and enjoy these free concerts at the beautiful Adelaide Town Hall and experience the magic of classical music”.
Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said that the City of Adelaide is proud to be supporting the ASQ’s BIG GIG.
“For forty years, the ASQ has been enchanting audiences with music that stirs the soul.”, she said.
“This milestone BIG GIG is a chance for everyone to step inside our beautiful Town Hall, explore its history, and share in the joy of live performance.”
“It’s a celebration of music, community, and the creative spirit that makes Adelaide a UNESCO City of Music.”
The ASQ’s BIG GIG is the latest addition to the Quartet’s 2025 program, which will conclude with their Convergence national tour in October.
“This has been a year of celebrating life and the power of music with audiences across the country”, says ASQ violinist Dale Barltrop.
“BIG GIG presents a major moment to welcome audiences, old and new into the world of the ASQ. It’s an opportunity to honour the Quartet’s legacy and place in culture as a living, breathing work of art. It’s also about setting the scene for a shared, artistically rich and exciting future”.
Bookings for the ASQ’s BIG GIG open on Wednesday, 20 August, and are free of charge. It is essential to book in advance to attend the auditorium concerts, as places are limited. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Adelaide Town Hall.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information and bookings for the ASQ’s BIG GIG please visit: https://asq.com.au/liveconcerts/asq-big-gig/
