Australian String Quartet: ASQ Live at UKARIA

28 July 2020 Music, Performance

ASQ-Live-at-UKARIAThe Australian String Quartet (ASQ) is launching its digital streaming platform ASQ Live + On Demand, kicking off its online content delivery with a series of weekly live-streamed webisodes, titled ASQ Live at UKARIA from Sunday 2 August 2020.

More than just a streamed concert, the ASQ Live at UKARIA series mixes lifestyle programming and live-performance with splash of sports broadcast excitement. Ever wondered what really happens in the wings before the performance? Here’s your backstage pass.

Hosted by the charismatic Johanna Allen and featuring a raft of world-class South Australian guest artisans including luthiers, street-artists, chefs and entrepreneurs as well as acclaimed pianist Konstantin Shamray, the ASQ’s first major foray into the world of live streamed and on-demand content will promote an exquisite South Australian life-style experience to a world-wide audience.

“I am truly delighted to be hosting ASQ Live at UKARIA,” said Allen. “My task is to share the human side of this experience. I’m interested in getting to know Dale, Francesca, Steve and Sharon away from the music, as much as their persona within the quartet.”

“This project gives us all a chance to explore art from a human perspective. We get a joyous marriage – music from one of Australia’s most renowned classical acts, intertwined with who they are as people.”

Filmed at the iconic UKARIA Cultural Centre in the Adelaide Hills, the webisodes not only provide a world-class live musical experience, they pair artistic exploration with the South Australian landscape – providing a stunning accompaniment to the performance programs.

The artistry extending beyond the stage, the ASQ has engaged multi award-winning Cinematographer Maxx Corkindale as the series’ Director of Photography – allowing the viewer unprecedented visual access to the performances, ensuring the streams will look as good as they sound.

“What’s more delicious than a mixture art, lifestyle and the natural world, wrapped within a program of stunning music? We can’t wait to start performing again!” said Australian String Quartet’s Dale Barltrop.

For 35 years, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) has created unforgettable string quartet performances for national and international audiences. Dedicated to musical excellence with a distinctly Australian character, the Quartet’s purpose is to create chemistry and amplify intimacy through experiences that connect people with string quartet music.

From its home base at the University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, the ASQ reaches out across Australia and the world to engage people with an outstanding program of performances, workshops, commissions and education projects.

The Quartet’s distinct sound is enhanced by a matched set of 18th century Guadagnini instruments, handcrafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini between c.1743 and 1784 in Turin and Piacenza, Italy. These precious instruments are on loan for the ASQ’s exclusive use through the generosity of UKARIA.

Viewers can subscribe to the ASQ Live + On Demand platform for just $40.00 –  subscription includes access to the ASQ Live at UKARIA webseries with the ability re-watch past streams until the end of October 2020. Existing ASQ+ Subscribers will get access to the platform free of charge. Webisodes will be approx 45 minutes and live-streamed at 3.00pm ACST (3:30pm AEST) For more information, visit: www.asq.com.au for details

Image: Dale Bartltrop (violin), Francesca Hiew (violin), Stephen King (viola) and Sharon Grigoryan (cello)

The ASQ Live at UKARIA musical program includes: