NZSM Friday at 5:15 – Inside Beethoven

The New Zealand String Quartet is the Artist Ensemble in Residence at NZSM: [Helene Pohl and Douglas Beilman (violins), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Rolf Gjelsten (cello)].

The ensemble celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, performing 'Beethoven! The Complete String Quartets' in many NZ centres. In this fascinating and moving presentation, the NZSQ will illuminate events in Beethoven's personal life surrounding the composition of his string quartets, interspersing quotes from his letters and contemporary sources with selected movements from his quartets.

By giving context to the drama of the music, the audience will appreciate the greatness of Beethoven's writing, and the place of the string quartet in his output, moving from his early works in the Opus 18 set to the final great late quartets.

This will be a rare opportunity to gain insight into his personal journey, enhancing the musical experience and understanding for the audience.

‘Inside Beethoven’ is the third of the NZSM’s ‘Friday at 5:15’ series – a set of free one-hour concerts in the Ilott Theatre at Wellington Town Hall in which NZSM staff and colleagues showcase their talents and expertise ‘downtown’. The concert is free and members of the public are welcome.

Te Kōkī, New Zealand School of Music is a joint enterprise of Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington.