Gabrieli tour

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 20

Gabrieli tour

The Gabrieli Quartet from England is expected to provide one of the highlights of Music Federation Christchurch’s 1984 concert season when the group performs in the city this week. On a three-concert tour of New Zealand, in the midst of a 13-concert Australasian tour, the Gabrieli Quartet will perform in the James Hay Theatre tomorrow night. The group has visited New Zealand twice before. Their first visit in 1975 was the Quartet’s first major tour outside Europe. Since then they have performed extensively throughout the world, making a triumphant American debut tour in 1982. The four members of the Gabrieli Quartet, Kenneth Sillito and Brendan O’Reilly (violins), lan Jewel (viola) and Keith Harvey (cello)

thrive on a daunting work schedule which includes not only their quartet performances, but also regular appearances as guest solists, teaching commitments and an extensive recording programme.

As resident quartet at Essex University, they have established a chamber music course which now attracts students from around the world.

In 1982 the Gabrieli Quartet performed three special Haydn programmes which were relayed live by the British Broadcasting Corporation and then went on to perform to full houses at the Hong Kong Festival. The Quartet’s New Zealand tour has been organised by the Music Federation of New Zealand and has been assisted by the British Council.