The Australian String Quartet’s ‘BIG GIG’ Celebrates 40 Years with Free Concerts
Check out a range of incredible live performances and interactive ewxperiences on Sunday 28 September.
Image Jacqui Way
This year, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special free day of live performances coined ASQ’s BIG GIG at South Australia’s iconic Adelaide Town Hall.
In partnership with the City of Adelaide and CreateSA, ASQ will hold three special community events on Sunday 28 September that include performances, exhibitions and immersive experiences for everyone from children to adults.
The ASQ welcome everyone to attend and discover what Australia’s pre-eminent string quartet are all about, with each session featuring exclusive live performances by the ASQ, emerging string quartets strutting their stuff and the chance to immerse yourself in Square Circles VR, a collaborative artwork between Jumpgate, Go Patterson Films and the Australian String Quartet directed by William Barton and Stephen King.
“Honouring our deep South Australian heritage, the ASQ's BIG GIG is our signature 40th Anniversary celebration for the community,” explains ASQ Chief Executive, Angelina Zucco. “It’s a chance to celebrate the ASQ’s rich legacy while showcasing the outstanding breadth of what we do as a national performing arts organisation.”
“Our community and supporters have been at the heart of the ASQ since its formation—they've made it possible for us to share music that spans centuries and continents. What truly drives us as a quartet is the magical exchange that happens in live performance, those shared moments where music creates genuine connections. ASQ's BIG GIG is our chance to celebrate with our longtime supporters while introducing new people to the music we love”.
There will be three ASQ BIB GIG concerts throughout the day at Adelaide Town Hall (1:30pm-2:30pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm and 6:30pm-7:30pm) on Sunday 28 September, with each one hour performance featuring the Australian String Quartet playing a variety of music, both old and new.
Although free, bookings are required, with punters able to lock in their preferred time slot today for no charge via asq.com.au.
Along with the performances, there will be a host of activities on offer, including performances by local quartets, the chance to enjoy interactive sessions with the Elder Conservatorium of Music’s Open Music Academy, experience the Square Circles VR and check out an exhibition highlighting the ASQ's 40th Anniversary. Light refreshments will be available to purchase along with picnic boxes.
For more information about the day, visit asq.com.au.
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Image Jacqui Way
The State Government is proud to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ASQ, with Minister for Arts, Hon Andrea Michaels, MP saying, “The Malinauskas Government is proud to support this event celebrating 40 years of the Australian String Quartet. I encourage people to come along and enjoy these free concerts at the beautiful Adelaide Town Hall and experience the magic of classical music.”
Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith adds, “For forty years, the ASQ has been enchanting audiences with music that stirs the soul. This milestone BIG GIG is a chance for everyone to step inside our beautiful Town Hall, explore its history, and share in the joy of live performance. It’s a celebration of music, community, and the creative spirit that makes Adelaide a UNESCO City of Music.”
The ASQ’s BIG GIG is just another huge part of this year’s 2025 program, which comes to an end in October with Convergence.
“This has been a year of celebrating life and the power of music with audiences across the country”, says ASQ violinist Dale Barltrop.
“BIG GIG presents a major moment to welcome audiences, old and new into the world of the ASQ. It’s an opportunity to honour the Quartet’s legacy and place in culture as a living, breathing work of art. It’s also about setting the scene for a shared, artistically rich and exciting future”.
The Australian String Quartet’s BIG GIG 40th anniversary celebrations take place at Adelaide Town Hall on Sunday 28 September. Book tickets for the free event now via asq.com.au.
