Introducing Shostakovich: Unpacked. A four-part concert series presented by New Zealand String Quartet and friends to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death.

Across four night-time gatherings, the NZSQ will take to the stage with Orchestra Wellington, Antipodes Quartet, Ghost Trio, and pianist Jian Liu to explore the raw emotional power of one of the 20th century’s most troubled, yet defiant, musical voices.

Each concert features a specially curated selection of the chamber music of Shostakovich, paired with the unique voices of Aotearoa composers. From duets, to quartets, to a full chamber orchestra, we're getting up close to the celebrated chamber music and lasting legacy of Dimitri Shostakovich, 50 years after his death.

We invite you to join us on the journey of “Shostakovich: UNPACKED”, as together we explore and question what this powerful music meant in the time Shostakovich wrote it, but also how vitally important the composer’s artistic voice still is today.

Concert Three: Wednesday 1 October, 6:30pm, NZSQ x Ghost Trio

Artists onstage: NZSQ / Ghost Trio

Shostakovich: 4th String Quartet, Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano, 2nd Piano Trio

Unpacked: The music of Robert Burch

Spotlight: Feel the past merge with the present, as beloved former NZSQ member Monique Lapins joins current violinist Peter Clark in Shostakovich’s delightful work for two violins and piano. Ghost Trio conclude the evening with their celebrated virtuosity and emotional intensity in the second piano trio.

Tickets: $15 - $55, or get a season pass to all four concerts for $180pp

Book now: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/shostakovich-unpacked-with-ghost-trio/wellington

Season pass discount will be automatically applied at checkout when you have one 'Season Pass' ticket per person, per concert date in your cart.

In order:

Wednesday 9 July, 6:30pm & 8:30pm, NZSQ + Orchestra Wellington

Wednesday 6 August, 6:30pm, NZSQ + Antipodes Quartet

Wednesday 1 October, 6:30pm, NZSQ + Ghost Trio

Tuesday 25 November, 6:30pm, NZSQ + Jian Liu