CLASSICAL: ELYSIAN FIELDS – THE AUSTRALIAN STRING QUARTET

PREVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM

Guest harpist Marshall McGuire joins the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) on their national Heavenly tour, landing in Sydney on Monday night.

Featuring a series of masterful works for string including Debussy’s ethereal Quartet in G minor; one of Beethoven’s most serene works, the enchanting op 74; and compelling harp quintet works by Bax and Ross Edwards.

The current ASQ membership of Sophie Rowell and Anne Horton (violins), Sally Boud (viola), and Rachel Johnston (cello), was established in 2006 and they now hold the distinction of having won more international chamber music competitions than any other ensemble in Australia.

Working with acclaimed harpist Marshall McGuire is a first for the ASQ, but he has been on their wish list for some time. ‘Marshall is one of Australia’s finest musicians and is a passionate advocate of the harp and its music. We could ask for no better company in exploring the sounds and textures of this unusual genre,’ says Sally Boud.

Elysian Fields promises to be night of powerful and uplifting sounds – a unique opportunity to experience the heavenly harp.

Australian String Quartet: Elysian Fields
City Recital Hall, Angel Place
Monday 19th May
Pre-concert presentation 6.30pm. Wine tasting from 6pm. Conert 7pm.
$20-$61
Bookings: 8256 2222 or www.cityrecitalhall.com