The Australian String Quartet Concludes 2018 Australian Tour With Works by Schubert and Shostakovich

The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) concludes its 2018 Australian touring calendar with a bold program of celebrated works by Schubert and Shostakovich, complemented by the world premiere of a work by Australian composer James Ledger, specially commissioned by the ASQ.

When it comes to writing for chamber ensembles, Western Australian composer James Ledger goes against the current. His new work The Distortion Mirror sees microphones added to the ASQ's Guadagnini instruments; their sounds synthesized and looped back in real-time reversed, inversed, and skewed in time and pitch. Inspired by side-show alley mirrors of fetes, circuses and carnivals which reflect the world in a vast array of intriguing deceptions, this visceral work is bound to intrigue and delight.

"As an Australian ensemble, performing work that is created on our shores is always special. We are thrilled to be premiering this brand-new contemporary work by James, an artist and composer we've long admired." Francesca Hiew - violin

"As a composer, the electronics add a wonderful new element; they allow you to do things that you can't do in the acoustic realm. It's very gratifying when you get your piece out in the world for the first time. To hear it come to life, and to see musicians come together and play something you've written is very fulfilling." James Ledger - composer

For some, the number 13 is unlucky, but for Schubert and his String Quartet no 13, Rosamunde, it is not so. This was his only string quartet that he allowed to be performed live, and the only one published in his lifetime. Rosamunde's special virtues are those of order, craftsmanship and eloquent sentimentality, combined with a dramatic searching. It was these qualities that identified Schubert to the music-loving public of nineteenth century Vienna as the natural successor to Beethoven.

The work of Shostakovich counters Schubert's form with fierce contrasts of emotion and character. Written on the Dilizhan composer's retreat in Armenia, 1964, his String Quartet no 10 begins serenely, reflecting the astounding beauty of the natural world around him, before wild outbursts unsettle the deceptive calm, giving way to the inner turmoil bubbling beneath Shostakovich, the shackled genius.

"The pairing of Schubert and Shostakovich is a very enticing one for us. The two composers, whilst worlds apart, both knew tremendous suffering. Each reflect their pain in very unique and personal ways, but ultimately, both works deliver some of the most poignant music ever written for string quartet". Dale Barltrop - violin

The Australian String Quartet is excited to be touring this program with guest cellist Blair Harris, who will be standing in for ASQ cellist Sharon Grigoryan, currently on maternity leave.

For further information about the ASQ's National Season 2018 and its generous supporting partners visit the website at asq.com.au or phone 1800 040 444.

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