Shostakovich: UNPACKED
New Zealand String Quartet & Jian Liu
Take a front row seat to the raw emotional power of one of the 20th century’s most defiant musical voices.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Dmitri Shostakovich, the New Zealand String Quartet will take to the stage alongside award-winning pianist, Jian Liu, to explore some of this legendary composer’s most powerful chamber music.
Following a performance of Shostakovich’s celebrated Piano Quintet, you’ll bear witness to the very last work written by Dimitri Shostakovich. Award-winning pianist Jian Liu joins beloved NZSQ founding member, Gillian Ansell MNZN for his Viola Sonata.
Ending in hushed silence, and in almost total darkness, this concert will not only leave you deeply moved by what Shostakovich experienced throughout his own life but also inspire reflection of what we as human beings still experience throughout our world today. Don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible piece of chamber music, first hand.
Made with support from The Diessl Family, New Zealand School of Music & Creative New Zealand.
New Zealand String Quartet– Gillian Ansell (viola), Peter Clark (violin) plus two guest artists
Collaborating artist – Jian Liu (piano)
New Zealand String Quartet
Established in 1987, the New Zealand String Quartet is Aotearoa’s longest–serving professional string quartet.
With two violins, one viola, and one cello they provide transformational chamber music experiences to diverse audiences throughout the motu and abroad, blending fresh and familiar repertoire – including New Zealand music, major composers, and cross–genre collaborations.
Proud cultural ambassadors, the Quartet have commissioned over 150 New Zealand works and actively champion New Zealand and Māori music. In addition to performing, their musicians play a leadership role in music education – teaching music students in institutions all over the country.
In 2024, the NZSQ was awarded the Tui for Best Classical Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards.
Dr. Jian Liu
An internationally celebrated concert pianist, chamber musician, and educator, Dr. Jian Liu has performed and taught throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
His artistry has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Steinway Hall in New York, and as a featured soloist with orchestras including Symphony Orchestra of National Philharmonic Society of Ukraine, China National Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Yale Philharmonia, among others.
In 2025 he was awarded the Tui for Best Classical Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards.
Supported by:
