Time & Location
07 Jun 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Wellington, Hunter Building Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
About the event
Join the New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpū Tūrū O Aotearoa for a special event to farewell the much-loved Monique Lapins and welcome the NZSQ’s new second violinist Peter Clark. All are warmly welcome, long-time audience members and newcomers, to help celebrate the passing of the baton (or Storioni Violin) between these two extraordinary players.
The evening will begin with speeches toasting Monique’s huge contributions to the NZSQ since her arrival in 2016. The Quartet will then perform for the final time in their current line-up: Helene Pohl on Violin I, Monique Lapins on Violin II, Gillian Ansell on Viola and Rolf Gjelsten on Cello. For this performance, Monique has chosen to play Brahms No.3 in B Flat op 67.
Peter Clark will then be welcomed to the stage for his first performance as second violin. To mark this momentous occasion, quartet will become quintet with Monique performing on viola. Together they will perform Mozart Quintet in B flat k 174.
Don’t miss this special occasion to celebrate Monique’s incredible contribution to the NZSQ and to the musical landscape of Aotearoa, and to welcome Peter to the NZSQ whānau. Plus, for just $10, purchase a drink alongside your ticket to enjoy at our post-concert reception as we raise a glass to Peter and Monique.
About Peter Clark:
Prior to his appointment with the NZSQ, 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. 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 program 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.
A Message from Monique: “The New Zealand String Quartet has been my musical family since 2016, and I reflect on this time with a true sense of pride and gratitude. I want to sincerely thank Helene, Gillian, and Rolf for their warm friendship, musical collaboration, and the many engaging and thrilling performances we shared. Among many others, I am also grateful to our enthusiastic audience members and to my students and colleagues at New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. I will be cheering on the Quartet in their next chapter.”