It’s been an exciting time for Affinity Quartet. The Melbourne-based string quartet has been rocketing to different corners of the world – from regional Australia to Germany’s Rheingau Musik Festival, Finland’s Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and Japan’s World Expo – and all in a matter of months.

“It’s been a big one, interantionally and at home for us,” cellist and founding member Mee Na Lojewski tells Limelight.

Affinity Quartet performing at the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival. Photo © Jonas Kukkoken

“It’s always been a big part of our journey to be as ambitious as possible about our chamber music, and to understand how we can learn from other cultures. And we’re not just focused on Europe anymore – we’ve met so many wonderful musicians from around the world. Travelling and bringing other musicians here is a wonderful way to live life.”

Its 10th anniversary is a big one for Affinity. It was the first Australian ensemble ever to earn a prize at the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition in the String Quartet division, taking home the top three awards. It has also won trophies at international string...