Storytellers: Transform with Ariana Tikao in Christchurch

Presenting, our 2026 Season: Storytellers.

Behind every piece of music is a story and across our 2026 Season, we'll dive into them. Join us and Ariana Tikao at The Piano's Christopher's Classics series for an evening exploring a rich cross-section of compositional voices and celebrating the art of storytelling through music.

We’ll boldly showcase more compositional voices than ever before, beginning with classical masterworks that resonate through the centuries, through to modern-day Grammy-winners and the distinctive voices of Aotearoa. Storytellers reflects a rich cross-section of our society and celebrates the art of storytelling through music. Join us in concert in 2026 and let us tell you a story.

PROGRAMME FOR TRANSFORM:

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)

Special addition for our Christchurch performance: Ariana Tikao & Philip Brownlee Māanaki

‘Transform’ opens with Anthony Ritchie, one of Aotearoa’s most eminent composers, celebrates 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.

For our concert in Christchurch we’re thrilled to welcome Ariana Tikao, singer, composer and leading player of taonga pūoro. The programme for this concert will vary slightly, replacing Caroline Shaw’s Punctum with Māanaki co-composed by Ariana Tikao and Phil Brownlee.

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.