A Storioni Celebration

Celebrating the Storioni: A Concert in Memory of David Craig

Join the New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) in Waipū for a special concert honouring both a rare 18th century Storioni violin and the generous Craig family who have safeguarded the instrument for generations. This event is held in memory of David Craig, who ensured the instrument could be played, maintained, and appreciated through the hands of NZSQ musicians for nearly four decades.

Crafted in Cremona by Lorenzo Storioni, the violin has embarked on an extraordinary voyage—from Europe, across the Pacific to Fiji, and eventually to its longtime home in Aotearoa. Since 1989, violinists of the NZSQ have been privileged to act as custodians of this treasured instrument, performing on it both nationally and around the world.

Recently, the Storioni underwent an extensive restoration by a master luthier in Sydney. Now returned to full brilliance, the NZSQ is honoured to bring it back to Waipū, the home of the Craig family, to celebrate its legacy and the family who has protected it.

In this intimate concert, NZSQ violinist Peter will perform solo works to showcase the Storioni’s newly revived voice, as well as joining the Quartet for a programme drawn from its 2026 ‘Storytellers’ season.

All tickets for this concert are ‘Choose Your Price’. Please select the ticket price that best suits your budget and the impact you’d like to have on the NZSQ and the Storioni’s future. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting the NZSQ’s mission of providing transformational chamber music experiences that inspire, challenge, educate and reflect Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you’d like to support the NZSQ further, please visit our website to see how you can support chamber music in Aotearoa for generations to come: https://www.nzsq.org.nz/support-us