Nicolas Altstaedt makes his debut with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Photo © Marco Borggreve

Classical Music

Australian String Quartet: ASQ with the Sydney Symphony and Vanguard
Joining the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in early June, the Australian String Quartet performs John Adams’ Absolute Jest, originally commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony for its centenary in 2012. According to Adams, the ‘jest’ of the title is derived from the Latin gesta – a series of doings, deeds and exploits – and builds on fragments of Beethoven’s Opus 131, Opus 135 and the Grosse Fuge. This is followed by ASQ’s national tour Vanguard, featuring works by Beethoven and Korngold alongside the national premiere of Harry Sdraulig’s String Quartet No. 2.
6–8 June, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House; 18 June – 5 July,...