New Zealand String Quartet presents: Origins

Saturday 2 May, 6:30pm

DEPOT, 3 Vic Road

Join us at the historic Council Borough Building, 3 Victoria Rd, in Devonport for a special evening of art, heritage, and community.

To help celebrate NZ Music Month the New Zealand String Quartet, French-Kiwi fusion Café Chateaubriant and Toi Toi wines have partnered to bring you a divine evening of art, music and cuisine.

New Zealand’s leading string quartet, the NZSQ, will perform a stunning array of music exploring how composers transform feelings and stories into sound. The programme will journey through earthy contemporary pieces by New Zealand composers, vibrant pillars of the classical canon and nostalgic folk melodies. Behind every piece of music is a story, and the NZSQ will bring each one to life.

Guests will have the opportunity to view the recently opened exhibition by fine arts photographer Chris Melville, showcasing a striking collection of contemporary works. Visitors can also explore the artist studio spaces upstairs, meet creatives in residence, and experience the unique character of this landmark venue.

A wonderful evening for art lovers and curious minds alike.

Please join us for an evening to remember, book your tickets now!

Event Details:

Saturday 2 May, 6:00pm

DEPOT,3 Vic Road

Tickets: $85 - Drink & canapés included

Doors Open 6:00pm

Performance Schedule:
6:45 pm Emily Cuff and Sienna Fitzgerald Performing winning songs

7:00 pm Mika Cornelius Universal Veil

7:10 pm Franz Schubert Movements from String Quartet No. 10, in E flat major (D. 87)

7:20 pm Gareth Farr Movements from Mondo Rondo

7:30 pm - 8.00 pm Interval (tour of artist studio's optional)

8:10 pm Antonín Dvořák Movements from String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 (The American Quartet)

8:20 pm Excerpts from the Danish String Quartet's album, Last Leaf

8:30 pm Ends

About Gillian Ansell - Viola

Born in Auckland, New Zealander Gillian Ansell made her concerto debut as violinist with the Auckland Symphonia (Auckland Philharmonia) at 16 years of age. She was awarded an Associated Board Scholarship to the Royal College of Music, London where she won several prizes on violin and viola. After further study on a German Academic Exchange DAAD scholarship at the Musikhochschule in Cologne with Igor Ozim and the Amadeus Quartet, she worked professionally in London for three years before returning to New Zealand in 1987 to become a founding member of the New Zealand String Quartet.

Apart from her work in the NZSQ, in 2021 she appeared as concerto soloist with the Hawkes Bay Orchestra and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. She is an Associate Professor at the New Zealand School of Music Te Kōkī at Victoria University of Wellington, where she has teaches viola and chamber music. In the 2008 New Year's Honours list she became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to music in New Zealand.

In 2019 she was made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers. Gillian has been Artistic Director of the Adam Chamber Music Festival since 2001.

About Peter Clark - Violin

Peter Clark was honoured to join the NZSQ in 2024. Prior to his appointment, Peter divided his time between New York City and Australia, combining his passions for chamber music, directing orchestras, and advocating for the central role of music in society.

Positions previously held include principal violin of Omega Ensemble, first violinist of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Inspire Quartet, and core member of Melbourne’s Inventi Ensemble. As concertmaster, Peter has performed with New Zealand Opera, Sydney Chamber Opera, Victoria Opera, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Darwin Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Wellington. He has also appeared as Associate Concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Principal Second of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Dublin, and has toured with the Australian World Orchestra, and Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Peter is passionate about the intersection of the highest artistry with music’s potential as a force for good. His commitment to arts access has led him to perform in more than 130 regional towns and cities across Australia, as well as to develop a beloved music programme at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. His research on social innovation and cohesion through music is generously supported by Judith Neilson AM, the General Sir John Monash Foundation, and the American Australian Association.

About Lavinnia Rae - Guest Cello

[The NZSQ was excited to appoint a new cellist at the end of 2025! Martin Smith, an exceptional cellist with extensive international experience, will join the ensemble permanently from July 2026. In the meantime, the NZSQ will be joined on tour by the incredible Lavinnia Rae.]

Nelson born cellist Lavinnia Rae resides in London, and freelances in both the UK and New Zealand. Lavinnia is currently on trial for sub-principal no. 3 cello with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and is trialling for tutti cello with the Ulster Orchestra. In 2023 she was a trialist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. In the UK she regularly freelances with the London Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and BSO, among others. Lavinnia has been on contract with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared as acting principal cello of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Her chamber music highlights include featuring as a guest artist in the New Zealand String Quartet, including a 2026 national tour, and touring in the Antipodes Quartet with Chamber Music New Zealand in 2025. She also performed at the Hellensmusic Festival alongside Tom Poster, Tom Mathias, Maya Iwabuchi and Lawrence Power, and attended the three-week intensive String Quartet Seminar mentored by the Takács Quartet, at the Music Academy of the West.

During her time in London, Lavinnia completed a Master of Performance with Distinction at the Royal College of Music with Richard Lester. As a Leverhulme Arts Scholar she completed a MPerf with Distinction in Orchestral Artistry in association with the London Symphony Orchestra, at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, under the tutelage of LSO principal cellist Rebecca Gilliver.

Contact the host of New Zealand String Quartet at DEPOT