Legendary musicians honoured in concert

MEDIA RELEASE
Legendary musicians honoured in concert

For immediate release / 28 March 2006 / 373 words

When the Jerusalem Quartet return to New Zealand this April to perform in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, they will bring an iconic musical instrument with them. Cellist Kyril Zlotnikov will play a cello once owned by the late Jacqueline du Pre who was considered one of the world¹s greatest cellists. The cello is on loan to him from du Pre¹s husband, conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim. The cello was made in 1970 by Philadelphian luthier Sergio Peresson.

"It was a great privilege and a surprise when Barenboim allowed me to play this cello. This was especially made for Jacqueline du Pre", said Kyril. "It makes a wonderful sound and it is very exciting to be able to use this instrument. I am very grateful to Daniel Barenboim."

Kyril has performed and toured with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra that Barenboim co-founded in 1999. The orchestra has been dubbed the ŒPeace¹ orchestra as it brings young Israeli, Palestinian, Arab and German musicians together.

One of the most dynamic and exciting young quartets currently performing, the Jerusalem Quartet have been dubbed the "chamber music superstars" of the new generation of young string quartets. The quartet were founded within the framework of the Young Musicians¹ Group of the Jerusalem Music Centre and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation in co-operation with the Conservatory of the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music and Dance, where they studied under Avi Abramovich.

Since their last visit to New Zealand in 2004, the group have won the Borletti Buitoni Trust award, completed their first tour of Japan, recorded a Shostakovich CD and have opened their own Chamber Music Series in Israel, with a children¹s project where they play special concerts for school children.

In their New Zealand performances, they will honour one of music's most profound commentators, Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovich with a performance of his String Quartet No 8, dedicated 'In memory of victims of fascism and war'.

The Jerusalem Quartet will perform in Auckland on Saturday 1 April, Christchurch Monday 3 April and Wellington Tuesday 4 April.

For more information, ph 0800 CONCERT (266 2367), email info@chambermusic.co.nz or visit www.chambermusic.co.nz.

In presenting these concerts, Chamber Music New Zealand acknowledges major funding from Creative New Zealand and support from the Turnovsky Endowment Trust.

ENDS

Jerusalem Quartet in concert
*Student rush tickets avail in all centres on the day of the concert: $15 (ID required)

Auckland ­ Saturday 1 April, Auckland Town Hall, 8pm. Tickets $60 A reserve, $50 B reserve. Book at Ticketek, ph (09) 307 5000 (service fees apply).
*Free pre-concert talk @ The Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, 7 - 7.30 pm

Christchurch ­ Monday 3 April, James Hay Theatre, 8pm. Tickets $60 A reserve, $50 B reserve. Book at Ticketek, ph (03) 377 8899 (service fees apply).

Wellington - Tuesday 4 April, Wellington Town Hall, 8pm. Tickets $60 A reserve, $50 B reserve. Book at Ticketek, ph (04) 384 3840 (service fees apply).

Jerusalem Quartet programme

Performing in Auckland and Christchurch:

SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No 6 in G Opus 101
BEETHOVEN: String Quartet in B flat Opus 18 No 6
SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No 8 in C minor Opus 110

Performing in Wellington:
SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No 11 in F minor Opus 122
MOZART: String Quartet No 20 in D K499 'Hoffmeister¹
SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No 8 in C minor Opus

About Jerusalem Quartet
Alexander Pavlovsky - violin, Sergei Bresler - violin, Amichai Grosz - viola, Kyril Zlotnikov - cello.

Known for their mature interpretation of the great works and flawless technique, the Jerusalem Quartet return to New Zealand to open Chamber Music New Zealand¹s 2006 Celebrity Season in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Shostakovich¹s music has a particular resonance for the Jerusalem Quartet as three of the members were brought up in the former Soviet Union. "Shostakovich's music is a significant part of our lives and is very much relevant to us today. His music demonstrates the truth of life under Stalin; everyone's struggle to survive, how everyone lived in constant fear. Even under the oppressive conditions of the Soviet era, Shostakovich had the courage to express the hidden strength of his people in his music. He does so with extraordinary dramatic feeling in a spirit of resistance and freedom. His music became a source of moral support to those who were persecuted or suffered in other ways."

"As we play his music, we interpret them using our personal feeling and experiences. Having the opportunity to explore new countries, playing in new and famous concert halls, meeting new audience and sharing our love of music with people all over the world is so enriching for all of us."

ENDS

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