Shostakovich Unpacked | NZSQ + Jian Liu

Introducing Shostakovich: Unpacked. A four-part concert series presented by New Zealand String Quartet and friends to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death.

Across four night-time gatherings, the NZSQ will take to the stage with Orchestra Wellington, Antipodes Quartet, Ghost Trio, and pianist Jian Liu to explore the raw emotional power of one of the 20th century’s most troubled, yet defiant, musical voices.

Each concert features a specially curated selection of the chamber music of Shostakovich, paired with the unique voices of Aotearoa composers. From duets, to quartets, to a full chamber orchestra, we're getting up close to the celebrated chamber music and lasting legacy of Dimitri Shostakovich, 50 years after his death.

We invite you to join us on the journey of “Shostakovich: UNPACKED”, as together we explore and question what this powerful music meant in the time Shostakovich wrote it, but also how vitally important the composer’s artistic voice still is today.

Concert Four: Tuesday 25 November, 6:30pm, NZSQ x Jian Liu

Artists onstage: NZSQ / Jian Liu

Shostakovich: 15th Prelude + Fugue, Piano Quintet, Viola and Piano Sonata

Unpacked: Special Announcement

Spotlight: The artistic culmination of “Shostakovich: UNPACKED”, and the heart of the entire series. Following a performance of Shostakovich’s celebrated Piano Quintet, bear witness to one of the most special artistic collaborations of 2025. Award-winning pianist Jian Liu joins beloved NZSQ founding member, Gillian Ansell MNZN, in the very last work written by Dimitri Shostakovich. Ending in hushed silence, and in almost total darkness, this concert will not only leave listeners deeply moved by what Shostakovich experienced throughout his own life but also inspire reflection of what we as human beings still experience throughout our world today.

Tickets: $15 - $55, or get a season pass to all four concerts for $180pp

Season pass discount will be automatically applied at checkout when you have one 'Season Pass' ticket per concert date in your cart.