Launched in 1995, the Quartet is named after Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia. Over 30 years, the Quartet has toured nationally and internationally, made prize-winning recordings with Hyperion Records, and collaborated with outstanding artists and composers.  

The old adage of a string quartet being like a marriage has extra meaning for the Goldners: Dene Olding and Irina Morozova, and Dimity Hall and Julian Smiles, are two married couples who have worked as one musical family. Throughout their 30 years together they have lived through the highs and lows that any family experiences and shared both joys and profound challenges. 

Dene, Irina, Dimity and Julian have decided that 2024 is the right time to bring their 30-year Goldner String Quartet journey to a close. Musica Viva Australia invites you to join the Quartet as they celebrate three decades of magnificent music-making in their farewell performance. 

The date and location of this performance adds a special resonance to the occasion: their farewell concert takes place on December 8, 2024, at the Verbruggen Hall at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, where, on the same day in 1945, Richard Goldner and the Musica Viva players gave their very first concert.  

As we gather to celebrate Australia's pre-eminent string quartet, we also look forward to a year of celebrating 80 years of music-making with Musica Viva Australia. 

The Goldner Quartet will give a farewell concert at the Verbrugghen Hall in Sydney's Conservatorium of Music on 8 December. Join the waitlist to book for this special occasion.