Melencolia

Formed in 2003, the Jade String Quartet has maintained a strong presence in New Zealand's chamber music scene, committed to commissioning, performing, and recording music by New Zealand composers, alongside masterworks from the string quartet repertoire. Based in Auckland, the ensemble performs in various venues, ranging from house concerts to concert halls, often giving recitals supported by Chamber Music New Zealand and other musical societies in the North Island. They have recorded three previous albums, including Tapestries (2023), a recording featuring works by New Zealand composers.

Anthony studied at the University of Canterbury and the Liszt Academy in Hungary and completed a PhD in the music of Bartok. He was Composer-in-Schools in Christchurch in 1987, Mozart Fellow at Otago University in 1988-9, and Composer-in-Residence with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra 1993-4. His many commissioned works include concertos for piano, violin, viola, flute, and guitar, as well as six symphonies, chamber music, and six operas. His work has been performed by renowned ensembles, including the Ulster Orchestra and the Takács Quartet, as well as soloists such as Bella Hristova and Alexa Still.