A New Line-Up For The Australian String Quartet
The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) has announced the appointment of Dale Barltrop as first violin and Francesca Hiew as second violin who will join current quartet members, violist Stephen King and cellist Sharon Draper in 2016.
Brisbane-born Barltrop will continue his current position as Concertmaster for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and live in Australia year-round for the first time in 18 years. Barltrop has also served as Concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2009. Prior to his appointment in Vancouver, Barltrop served for six years as Principal Second Violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in the US. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Managing Director, André Gremillet, said “Many of our MSO musicians love playing chamber music….. We are thrilled to be able to make it possible for Dale to take this position.”
Francesca Hiew, also from Brisbane is a member of the and was formerly a violinist with the Auric Quartet. respected for her technical clarity and passion for chamber music, she brings experience and energy to the pivotal role of second violin.
The new line-up consolidates previous partnerships as the musicians have known each other and worked together for many years.
The appointments are effective immediately and the new quartet will make ts debut in February 2016 in its first national concert season.
The 2016 season will be launched this September at www.asq.com.au
