Predicted by The Australian to become ‘one of Australia’s proudest cultural exports’, Brisbane-based Orava Quartet first joined forces in 2007 and have since taken audiences around the world by storm. With global tours, two chart-topping ARIA Classical charts albums, and the acclaim of being the first ensemble to record with Deutsche Grammophon in Australia, Orava Quartet have cemented themselves as ‘the most exciting young quartet on the block.’ (Limelight).
Proudly ‘Quartet-in-Residence’ with Camerata since 2014, and regular faces in the orchestra throughout the year – the Oravas return to share their ‘intensity, precision and incredible teamwork’ (Limelight) with a program of old music and new, with the Quartet’s trademark love of folk music threaded through.
Hear Debussy’s evergreen String Quartet in G Minor, loved especially for its heart-meltingly romantic slow movement, with the breathtaking intensity for which the Oravas have become renowned, along with the Queensland premiere of extraordinary Brisbane-based composer Paul Dean’s new work, written with the Oravas in mind and inspired by the gothic fantasy world of Edgar Allan Poe. Multi award-winning Polish composer, Slawomir Czarnecki’s compact String Quartet feasts on highlands folklore with a visceral rawness belying the serene beauty of the Tatra mountains that inspired it, in contrast to the Nordic Folk Music arranged by the Danish String Quartet in Woodworks, which have deservedly inspired a cult-like following the world over.
While Debussy’s String Quartet had its first performance more than 130 years before Paul Dean’s new work, Orava Quartet’s ability to blend these very distinct musical worlds into something contemporary, yet familiar, will be on full display in an unforgettable and celebratory performance marking this milestone anniversary with Camerata.
