Germany and Japan are renowned for great cars and great pianos. Industrious and serious, it’s no wonder they produce exceptional musicians. Making their Australian debut, Berlin’s most fascinating quartet meets this internationally acclaimed Japanese violist to showcase some of the world’s most beautiful string quintets. Like a finely tuned machine, humming and full of life, this is one of the best string quintet performances you’re ever likely to hear. The Kuss Quartet is a regular at Carnegie and Wigmore Halls and Shimizu was the first female Principal Viola of the Berlin Philharmonic. From classics by Mozart and Brahms to a world premiere by Kerry, these five musicians perform the landmarks of the string quintet at the highest possible level.

Program One

Gordon KERRY String Quintet (2012)*
Bedrich SMETANA String Quartet no 2 in D minor (c 1882-3)
György KURTÁG Officium Breve in Memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, op 28
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART String Quintet no 3 in C major, K515

Hobart Sun 16 September, 8pm
Sydney Mon 17 September, 7pm^
Melbourne Tues 18 September, 7pm°
Perth Mon 24 September, 7.30pm
Newcastle Thurs 27 September, 7.30pm

Program Two

Gordon KERRY String Quintet (2012)*
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART String Quartet no 21 in D major, KV575
György KURTÁG Officium Breve in Memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, op 28
Johannes BRAHMS String Quintet no 2 in G major, op 111

Coffs Harbour Fri 14 September 8pm
Canberra Thurs 20 September, 7pm
Adelaide Fri 21 September, 7.30pm
Melbourne Sat 22 September, 8pm°
Brisbane Wed 26 September, 7pm#
Sydney Sat 29 September, 2pm

*Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia by Kim Williams, AM. World premiere performance
^Charles Berg Tribute Concert
#Presented in assoc. with the Brisbane Festival
°Paul Morawetz Tribute Concert