It’s something of an understatement to say that pianist Kathryn Selby and the Goldner String Quartet have a bit of history.

“I almost hate to say this, but I think I’ve known them for at least 40 years,” Selby laughs. “Dimity [Hall, Goldner violinist] was at the [Sydney] Conservatorium High with me and I met Julian [Smiles, cello] when he was only 19 and a Canberra boy. It’s been a long, long friendship. They are all very important people to me, in so many different ways.”

So, it’s not without some emotion that Selby is now preparing to play a series of farewell concerts with the Goldner String Quartet from 11–19 May at venues in New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. Titled Luminaries, the concerts form part of the Goldners’ year-long farewell to three decades of performing as a group.

Goldner String Quartet

Goldner String Quartet. Photo supplied

“I was blown away when Dene [Olding] called me up and told me they were calling it a day,” says Selby. “For me it came out of nowhere. I completely respect their decision – 30 years...