About ASQSS
The Auckland String Quartet Summer School was launched in 1984 by the Auckland String Quartet. In recent years, we have had a series of wonderful guest tutors. In 2019, the Tutors will be members of The Jade Quartet with Edith Salzmann (cello). The Tutors will be giving a public recital on Wednesday 9th January, 2019. Two other public recitals will be on Friday 4th January (Catherine Kwak, cello and Rachel Song, piano) and Sunday 6th January (Yanghe Yu, violin). All recitals are at 8pm in the Hall at St Cuthbert’s College, 122 Market Road, Auckland Tickets at the door: Adults $25, Seniors $15, Students $10. (Click the menu item for more details about the recitals).
Enjoying the final night (Photo: Neil Shepherd)
The emphasis, as always, is on chamber music; string quartets in particular. During morning sessions, participants work in groups with direction from individual tutors. Early afternoons are not formally structured, however at 4pm there is the opportunity to join the string orchestra which meets once a day.
The small number of participants accepted (about 44) guarantees the intimate atmosphere for which this summer school is well-known. There is plenty of time for practice, formation of groups for further ensemble playing, or simply relaxing. Some traditions, such as the midnight swims and late evening music making, have endured from year to year. The last night revues are now legendary. Evening public concerts presented by the tutors and guest artists provide inspiring conclusions to memorable days.
In 2011 and 2012, the school was pleased to receive financial support from the Ashton Wylie Charitable Trust. This enabled us to offer scholarships to 8 young musicians to attend the school and share the wonderful experience with others ranging in age from 16 to 76.
Amazing String Quartet Experience 
Feb 17, 2011 @ 11:55:23
Hi Brecon,
I am always interested to read the ASQSS news.
I am still in The Wellington Chamber Orchestra and a small Social Orchestra.
Congratulations on keeping on with ASQSS.I see that I still have time to come back as I am not quite yet 70, but it does take a lot of energy to keep going at a satisfying
standard.
Cheers for now,
Gillian.
Feb 17, 2011 @ 20:12:24
How wonderful to have this blog up and running….a big thanks to you Roger and Brecon, it’s great.
I was very interested to read all of our comments on what we received and learned from the ASQSS 2011. It gives us even more incentive to play and form groups within the year, whilst we wait for next January. Not that we need an incentive though, it is so much fun, and I find it a perfect way to boost flagging energy. I always feel uplifted and re-energised after a session of music playing with friends.
Margot, Lynette and I have been playing trios together lately. We have some Dvorak, Mozart and Tartini…any more suggestions for two violins and a viola ?
Feb 18, 2011 @ 09:10:53
Hi Sally. There is a very attractive Serenade No 2 for two violins and viola by Bohuslav Martinu. The National Library in Wellington have the parts.
Feb 19, 2011 @ 13:02:22
Oh, thanks so much Neil. I shall check it out. We might even have it in the Nelson School of Music. I will have a look.
Feb 19, 2011 @ 19:23:17
I forgot to mention that Beethoven’s opus 87 trio for 2 oboes & cor anglais is also available for 2 violins and viola!
Feb 19, 2011 @ 15:35:19
Hi Brecon
I wanted to thank you all for sending on the comments concerning the meaning of the summer school to your participants. I forwarded these comments on to my own Retreat participants and was amazed at the responses I received back….below is a sample….
– David
“Thank you. It sounds right to me”
“thank you….another lesson from the wonderful Brecon. You know we re-made Rain City Symphony after his “talk:” professionals to coach the sectionals and do bowings have made a huge difference in our sound. Please let him know of his influence in the other hemisphere.”
“Thank You David, that’s really very interesting, I have since printed the comments out and put in my diary”
“Thanks for sharing, David – this is great.”
“Thanks David. yes, these are all the reasons why many of us like to play chamber music.”
“I love this!!! Thank you!!! I want to read it again and again.”
Feb 28, 2011 @ 18:53:40
Great idea to have this blog up & running.
I haven’t been to ASQSS for a few years now, but from the very first one (1984) onwards I was at somewhere between 15 & 20 of them, …not sure how many. Loved it, and it provided my annual ‘fix’ of chamber music. That’s not so important now since I have moved to Wellington where I get so much chamber music, both to play and hear, that it’s coming out my ears. A lot of what happened at ASQSS has become ‘part of me’, music that I studied or heard for the first time, etc, …and some of the last night revue items I have never fully recovered from!
Long may it endure.
Jul 29, 2012 @ 16:34:43
My partner and I stumbled over here different website and thought I may as well check
things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
Sep 05, 2014 @ 18:02:44
Can I apply to come to the ASQSS workshop from Jan 5th to Jan 12th.
How do I do this ?
Thank You
Jennifer
Nov 04, 2016 @ 22:57:32
Brecon Carter organises a week of frenetic fun balanced with excellent experts to guide you through performing string quartets with finesse. It’s an experience to savour throughout the year….until the next year.Wouldnt miss it for the world!