Prague Quartet Arrives For University Post

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31032, 12 April 1966, Page 14

Prague Quartet Arrives For University Post

A world-renowned musical group, the Prague Quartet, arrived in Christchurch yesterday to spend six months teaching at the Canterbury University’s School of Music. They are Bretislav Novotny, first violin: Karel Pribyl, second violin; Jaroslav Karlovsky, viola: and Zdenek Konicek, ’cello. Five days ago the group was in Prague after completing a global season of nine months involving more than 35.000 miles of travelling. Besides teaching at the university the group will give concerts for the N.Z.B.C. and give a full recital of the 17 Beethoven string quartets during six concerts. It will, be the first time the group has played the 17 quartets in one series. The Prague Quartet visited New Zealand last year and was then invited to return to ■ take the appointment at the; university. The quartet leader Bretls-, lav Novotny said the invitation was “very welcome"! giving the group an oppor-: tunity to be in one place fori more than the usual few davs and among people “we like much " lb

Mr Novotny said the quartet was fully booked with engagements until the end of 1968 and seldom took university appointments. The last one was a a summer course at the University of Denmark.

The group has played together for almost 11 years in nearly every country. Its members will teach individual instruments—first and second violins, 'cello and viola—and chamber music in classical, modern, impressionist and traditional styles.