Inheritance and Invention
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Thursday, 30 Apr 2026
2:00 pm
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Wesley Music Centre
20-22 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT 2603
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In Association with
A brilliant combination of British Baroque imagination and modern mastery
The Australian String Quartet charts a vibrant journey through British music, culminating in one of Benjamin Britten’s greatest creations.
Written in 1945 to honour the 250th anniversary of Purcell’s death, Britten’s String Quartet No. 2 stands as a monumental reflection on legacy, renewal and artistic conviction in the aftermath of war. Its spacious first movement unfolds with searching clarity, the vivid central Vivace drives forward with razor sharp rhythmic energy, and the vast closing ‘Chacony’ offers a glowing homage to Purcell’s ground bass traditions. Bold, architectural and deeply expressive, it is a summit of Britten’s chamber writing.
The program opens with Britten’s early Three Divertimenti. These concise character pieces that he wrote in his twenties sparkle with theatrical colour, a striking march, a pliant, ear bending waltz and a spirited burlesque, and reveal a young composer testing boundaries and expressing a distinctive voice.
Rebecca Clarke’s Poem adds an intimate lyrical dimension. Its single, sweeping arc moves between impressionistic shimmer and heartfelt Romantic warmth, giving the quartet luminous, vocal lines that drift and bloom.
Anchoring the program is Purcell’s Chaconne in G minor, a model of Baroque poise built on a repeating bass pattern that shifts through contrasting moods with effortless charm.
This is the Australian String Quartet in full flight: incisive, imaginative and compelling.
‘The sublime Australian String Quartet performing classic British works – perfect for the purists and chamber aficionados’
‘A delightful vehicle to explore the lineage, influence and modernity in English music’
Artists
Australian String Quartet
Program
Benjamin Britten Three Divertimenti (1933)
Rebecca Clarke Poem (1926)
Henry Purcell Chaconne Z730 G Minor (c1680)
Benjamin Britten String Quartet No. 2 in C Major Op. 36 (1945)
Duration: 60 min, no interval
Photo credit: Jacqui Way
ARTIST Learn more about the artist
Artist Australian String Quartet
The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) is Australia’s pre-eminent organisation dedicated to string quartet music and Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music.
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 – The University of Adelaide, 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 Australian Music Fund, supports the ensemble’s ground-breaking Australian Anthology project that proudly champions the work of Australian artists.
In their 40th year, 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 ‘Ngeringa’
Photo credit: Laura Manariti