Christopher's Classics at The Piano Presents
'Chapter Two' - New Zealand String Quartet with Ariana Tikao

In 2026, the New Zealand String Quartet turns over a new leaf with a refreshed permanent line-up and a season told in 'chapters'. At its core is the 50th anniversary of Britten’s death, marked by performances across Aotearoa of his three groundbreaking quartets. Christopher’s Classics audiences will be treated to Britten’s striking Quartet No. 2, alongside Fanny Mendelssohn’s singular quartet gem, complemented by sensational contemporary works by Ariana Tikao & Phil Brownlee, Anthony Ritchie, and Salina Fisher - all with a distinctly Aotearoa New Zealand voice. The result is a programme that feels fresh, diverse, and powerfully connected to both Aotearoa and the wider world.

Ariana Tikao & Phil Brownlee Manaaki
Anthony Ritchie Perpetual Motion and Last Dance from String Quartet no.3: In Time
Fanny Mendelssohn String Quartet in E flat Major
Salina Fisher Heal
Benjamin Britten String Quartet No. 2

Peter Clark violin
Gillian Ansell viola
Ariana Tikao taonga puoro
NZSQ Violin to be announced
NZSQ Cellist to be announced