Saying goodbye to thousands of people over the course of a year is an emotional journey in itself – one the Goldner Quartet embarked on after announcing in August 2023 that it would disband after 30 years.

“I can honestly say it’s been more difficult than I thought it would be,” says Goldner violist Irina Morozova. “And I think the Verbrugghen Hall concert [on 8 December] will be especially so because, you know, that’s where it really all started. But at the same time, you can’t get too emotional because you still have to deliver the goods.”

“It’s okay in Sydney because we know we’ll still see people around. But I didn’t expect the reaction I felt within myself when I said hello and goodbye to some people in Melbourne who came to see us after the performance. I had this overwhelming feeling of sadness, even though I didn’t really know them.”

The Goldner Quartet: Dimity Hall, Julian Smiles, Irina Morozova and Dene Olding. Photo © Keith Saunders

Founded in 1995, Goldner String Quartet – named in honour of violist Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia – comprises violinists Dene...