We are thrilled to announce that internationally renowned cellist Martin Smith will join the NZSQ in 2026. Martin will bring an impressive wealth of skills and talent to Aotearoa as he transitions into the role over the first half of 2026, beginning permanently in July. After receiving his early training in Sydney, Martin furthered his study with leading teachers in Europe. Over the past two decades, he has appeared with leading orchestras on some of the world’s most celebrat

It's been a few weeks since we wrapped up the 2025 season of The Racket Lounge. We presented four concerts across four months, featuring 31 incredible local artists who performed an eclectic mix of tunes, including six brand-new pieces of music by emerging Wellington composers. And all of it was brought together by a talented young artist, Ella Dowsett-Farmer! Ella joined us in the office as our Events Coordinator, a role created as part of an internship opportunity for an ea

The New Zealand String Quartet is proud to announce that Wellington-based composer Estella Wallace  as the winner of the Finlayson Prize...

Our 2025 Fellowship Ensemble,The Antipodes Quartet, recently returned from their national tour as part of the Chamber Music New Zealand...

Antipodes Quartet is the ensemble of emerging and early-career musicians taking part in the 2025 Fellowship Programme , facilitated and...

We're thrilled to be running our events internship once again in 2025, this time with another rising star of the classical music world,...

For our first international tour of 2025 we travelled to rural New South Wales, Australia to spend a week performing at the Warren...

The 31st annual Adam Summer School for Chamber Music took place in Nelson this February with its signature mix of excitement and...

Across the end of March and beginning of April we toured to three centres around Aotearoa with the New Zealand Dance Company and Chamber...

The annual Adam Summer School for Chamber Music is an opportunity for up to 30 talented young string players and pianists to commit...

Mika Cornelius recipient of 2024/25 NZSQ | SOUNZ Tarling Trust Commission. Melbourne-based composer Mika Cornelius has been selected as...

Toe-tapping, awe-inspiring, boundary-pushing chamber music. Discover the joy of chamber music in a season designed for everyone! Whether...

In Wellington city, on the evening of Wednesday 2 October, Bedlam & Squalor was filled with good classical vibes at the final Racket...

Applications are now open for the NZSQ | SOUNZ Tarling Trust Composer Commission 2024,  closing on 30 September 2024 . The NZSO | SOUNZ...

We recently returned from a six-week-whirlwind of a tour around Ontario and British-Columbia, Canada. Our cellist, Rolf, looks back on...

On Friday 7 June 2024, we bade farewell to our much-loved violinist, Monique Lapins, with an extraordinary concert. After eight years and...

We have some bittersweet news to share with you. Our wonderful second violinist, Monique Lapins, will leave the NZSQ in June of this...

We are thrilled to welcome a brand-new person into our office! Introducing Mana Waiariki (Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui), our new Events Assistant....

The Adam Summer School for Chamber Music , a prestigious event for young string and piano players, is about to turn 30!  Taking place in...

The Adam Summer School for Chamber Music , a prestigious event for young string and piano players, is about to turn 30! Taking place in...