About

Ruben Aharonian violin Andrei Abramenkov violin Igor Naidin viola Vladimir Balshin cello

Founded in 1945 and one of the most revered ensembles in modern history, the Borodin Quartet have been singularly devoted to the collaborative spirit of chamber music for close to 70 years. Their most recent member, Vladimir Balshin joined in 2007, replacing Valentin Berlinsky who was the cellist for 62 of those years. Their intensely personal relationship with Shostakovich dates back to Berlinsky’s student days and gives audiences a direct insight into the composer’s heart and mind through the powerful medium of his string quartets. Prior to his death in December 2008, Berlinsky remained as artistic adviser to the current members, who are committed to safeguarding the knowledge and traditions of their heritage for future generations.

Programme One features two of the most deeply felt works in the repertoire: Borodin’s melodic second quartet featuring the famous nocturne; and Shostakovich’s gruelling eighth quartet, with its references to the futile destruction caused by war. The gorgeous slow movement of Tchaikovsky’s first string quartet apparently caused the writer Tolstoy to ‘dissolve into tears’.

Note: single tickets will be on sale in early 2010. Subscriber tickets are available by contacting Chamber Music NZ on 0800 CONCERT (0800 266 2378).

ALL AGES.