“The New Zealand String Quartet was born out of idealism. The Music Federation (now Chamber Music New Zealand) embraced the vision, of having a resident first-class professional string quartet who would prioritise music by our own composers and who could take on projects that would be impracticable for visiting quartets (complete Bartok or Beethoven cycles, for example). The NZSQ have more than fulfilled that vision and – thirty years on – are an established and vital part of the musical infrastructure in Aotearoa.” - Peter Walls, Emeritus Professor of Music, Victoria University of Wellington & CMNZ Chief Executive, 2015 - 2019

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There have been many high notes in the history of the New Zealand String Quartet. Read on to explore a few of the ones that stand out.