Three composers whose works evoke the awe and mystery of the Northern Lights make up the much revised season farewell of the top-notch Adelaide-based Australian String Quartet.

Concerts were cancelled and rescheduled at the 11th hour when cellist Michael Dahlenburg had to withdraw from the tour, but the program remained unchanged and the ensemble found a splendid replacement in Melbourne-born Charlotte Miles, a protégée of Howard Penny, who flew in from Germany where she studies in Weimar and tours with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

Australian String Quartet: Aurora. Photo © Jay Patel

Whether Joseph Haydn ever saw the Aurora Borealis is questionable – Austria and London are too far south – but nevertheless he created many brilliant and colourful sound worlds, including his Erdody String Quartet in D major, Op. 76 No. 5, which opened the program.

The elegant opening movement unfolded beautifully under Dale Barltrop’s leadership and it was immediately apparent that Miles was a perfect fit with her new colleagues, violinist Francesca Hiew and violist Chris Cartlidge. The ASQ’s trademark golden tone, precise ensemble work and poetic nuance were undimmed.

The wonderful Largo was gorgeously shaped with some fine soloing from...