Alexander Borodin — String Quartet no. 2

Franz Joseph Haydn — String Quartet in D minor, ‘Fifths’ (Quinten), Op. 76 no. 2

Peter Sculthorpe — String Quartet no. 9

Earning a reputation and devoted following for its thrilling performances since its formation in 2011, the Orava Quartet brings its unique sound and breathtaking intensity to the string quartet canon as well as works by contemporary Australian composers including Elena Kats-Chernin, Paul Dean and Ross Edwards.

The Quartet proudly continues as Camerata’s Artist-in-Residence, resident quartet for Bangalow Music Festival and from 2024, Blackheath Chamber Music Festival. In 2023 highlights have included an invited return tour to festivals in Canada and the highly anticipated release of its second album for Universal Music Australia, ‘Orawa’.

The Quartet returns to Hobart Town Hall with one of the all-time favourite works for string quartet, Borodin’s lush and romantic String Quartet No. 2. Written whilst on holiday and dedicated to his wife as an anniversary gift, Borodin’s musical love letter is full of wonderful melodies, including the instantly recognisable Nocturne. By contrast, Haydn, known as the ‘father’ of the string quartet, showcases simplicity at its finest in this work nicknamed ‘Quinten’ or ‘Fifths’, due to the falling-fifth motif weaved throughout the work. The Op. 76 no. 2 is Haydn in all his glory, a true master of the quartet genre. This is followed by the haunting and evocative work of iconic Australian composer, Peter Sculthorpe, who was arguably the first Western composer to evoke so effectively the sound of Australia in his music. Three distinct and captivating works in the hands of the “dazzling” Orava Quartet: a most memorable musical experience.

Daniel Kowalik | Violin

David Dalseno | Violin 

Thomas Chawnew | Viola 

Karol Kowalik | Cello