BOOK NOW: https://nelsonartsfestival.nz/event/shostakovich-unpacked/ 

Take a front row seat to the raw emotional power of one of the 20th century’s most defiant musical voices.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Dmitri Shostakovich, the New Zealand String Quartet will take to the stage alongside award-winning pianist, Jian Liu, to explore some of this legendary composer’s most powerful chamber music.

This final programme features an exciting new composition by student composer, Estella Wallace. Estella is the recipient of the Finlayson Prize, developed by the New Zealand String Quartet Trust in partnership with New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī and SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and generously sponsored by Hon. Christopher Finlayson. The prize invited students to compose a new piece for string quartet inspired by and responding to the life and works of Dmitri Shostakovich.

Estella's new piece, 'Of Sorrows', will be performed by the NZSQ musicians alongside two of Shostakovich's most powerful works: his Piano Quintet, and his Viola and Piano Sonata. For this final piece, you’ll bear witness to the very last work written by Dimitri Shostakovich. Award-winning pianist Jian Liu joins beloved NZSQ founding member, Gillian Ansell MNZN for his Viola Sonata.

Ending in hushed silence, and in almost total darkness, this concert will not only leave you deeply moved by what Shostakovich experienced throughout his own life but also inspire reflection of what we as human beings still experience throughout our world today. Don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible piece of chamber music, first hand.

Made with support from The Diessl Family, New Zealand School of Music & Creative New Zealand.

Concert Four: Tuesday 28 October, 7pm, NZSQ x Jian Liu

Artists onstage: NZSQ / Jian Liu

Shostakovich: Piano Quintet, Viola and Piano Sonata

Unpacked: Of Sorrows - a brand-new composition by emerging composer, Estella Wallace. Generously supported by Hon. Christopher Finlayson. Learn more.

Spotlight: The artistic culmination of “Shostakovich: UNPACKED”, and the heart of the entire series. Following a performance of Shostakovich’s celebrated Piano Quintet, bear witness to one of the most special artistic collaborations of 2025. Award-winning pianist Jian Liu joins beloved NZSQ founding member, Gillian Ansell MNZN, in the very last work written by Dmitri Shostakovich. Ending in hushed silence, and in almost total darkness, this concert will not only leave listeners deeply moved by what Shostakovich experienced throughout his own life but also inspire reflection of what we as human beings still experience throughout our world today.

Tickets: $39 - $49

Full series in order:

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

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

Wednesday 24 September, 7pm, NZSQ + Ghost Trio | Auckland

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

Tuesday 28 October, 7pm, NZSQ + Jian Liu | Nelson

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