Storytellers: Transform in Nelson

Presenting, our 2026 Season: Storytellers.

Behind every piece of music is a story and across our 2026 Season we're diving into them. Join us at NCMA for an evening exploring a rich cross-section of compositional voices and celebrating the art of storytelling through music.

PROGRAMME:

Anthony Ritchie Perpetual Motion and Last Dance from String Quartet No.3, ‘In Time’

Fanny Mendelssohn String Quartet in E flat major

Interval

Salina Fisher Heal

Benjamin Britten String Quartet No. 2, in C major (Op. 36)

‘Transform’ opens with Anthony Ritchie, one of Aotearoa’s most eminent composers, celebrating playful melodic lines and infectious rhythm in Perpetual Motion and Last Dance from String Quartet No. 3.

Fanny Mendelssohn’s only string quartet showcases her poetic, passionate and introspective voice, too long overlooked in the shadow of her brother, Felix.

Salina Fisher’s soothing tribute to grief and loss in Heal serves as a poignant companion to Benjamin Britten’s second string quartet. Written in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War and widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary pieces of the twentieth century, Britten offers a powerful reflection of his inner feelings and a moving tribute to his compositional idol, Henry Purcell.

The concert programme, crafted in our signature style, aims to engage audiences of all levels of familiarity with chamber music. Each piece of music is preceded by a lively and informative introduction delivered by the Quartet members themselves. These introductions seek to shed light on the stories behind the music, making it an enriching experience suitable for all audiences.