Speeches
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Reception to celebrate Australian String Quartet’s 40th Anniversary
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House.
In Adelaide we are proud to be a UNESCO creative city of music, and as Governor I have the privilege of supporting some of the pillars of our creative city - the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Youth Orchestras, State Opera South Australia, the Elder Conservatorium Circle, UKARIA and – of course and with a national and international profile - the Australian String Quartet.
This evening we celebrate the Australian String Quartet's 40th anniversary, recognising four decades of bringing world-class chamber music to audiences in South Australia and beyond.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending a number of the quartet’s concerts over the years.
These experiences have given me and no doubt you a deep appreciation for the power of chamber music to move, to inspire, and to connect us with something greater than ourselves.
Rod and I were delighted to meet the quartet at UKARIA a few years ago, not long after our community emerged from COVID and its various restrictions.
It was a thrill to see the quartet perform in this beautiful setting, to see them play the rare matching set of Guadagnini instruments, on a loan generously facilitated by UKARIA, and to speak with the musicians after their performance.
We have since attended other performances by the quartet, most recently Rapture in May, and every time we are reminded of why this ensemble holds such an important place in our cultural life.
As Governor, I am proud that the Australian String Quartet was founded in Adelaide, and has retained its South Australian home base at the Elder Conservatorium of Music since 1991.
From here the quartet develops its annual programs, bringing classical music to local audiences, regional festivals, as well as touring nationally and internationally.
I am impressed by the ASQ’s extensive reach and impact which enhances Australia’s and South Australia’s reputation for excellence in the arts.
I am pleased by the quartet’s commitment, from its very beginning, to championing and commissioning Australian composers, premiering over 80 new Australian works.
I thank quartet members for their commitment to their craft, honing their talents to bring joy to thousands of concert goers every year.
I thank the board members, past and present, for their exceptional service in guiding this organisation through four decades of artistic achievement and financial stewardship.
I thank the staff who work behind the scenes to ensure that every performance, every tour, and every community engagement reflects the highest standards of professionalism and artistic integrity.
I thank the donors and supporters whose generosity has enabled the quartet not only to survive but to thrive, especially in the face of challenges to the classical music sector.
I imagine there are many South Australians looking forward to the quartet’s Big Gig birthday celebration on Sunday at the Adelaide Town Hall. No doubt the free concerts will attract a large audience!
Congratulations to the Australian String Quartet on reaching 40 years, and I wish it all the very best for the future, spreading the joy of classical music in South Australia and beyond.