It was standing room only at Kiama Anglican Church for the latest successful instalment of the Classical Kiama Concert series, performed by Goldner String Quartet on 7 April 2024. 

With approximately 120 people in attendance, this sell-out show marked one of the final performances for the distinguished Goldner String Quartet. The musicians announced their disbandment late last year after collaborating since 1995. 

Each having performed with prestigious companies such as Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the quartet is comprised of Dene Olding and Dimity Hall on violin, violist Irina Morozova and cellist Julian Smiles. Hall and Smiles are a married couple, as are Olding and Morozova.

Performers

Performing a “potpourri of quartet excerpts”, as described by band member Dene Olding, the quartet moved seamlessly through works of varying energies from classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Schumann, alongside up-and-coming young Australian composer, Harry Sdraulig. 

Perfectly timed notes from all musicians filled the intimate space with a richness that clearly captivated all in attendance. A heartfelt round of applause upon conclusion inspired an inevitable encore, with the quartet performing a piece by Czech composer, Dvořák, which shone a spotlight particularly on Smiles’ brilliance on the cello.

Roslyn, Nick & Anne

“The Goldner Quartet were superb. We are really lucky to have had them in Kiama. It was a beautiful program, and the encore was just magical,” says regular attendee of Classical Kiama concerts, Karen Lateo.

The energy in the Church that evening was undeniably uplifting. This was felt too by the quartet, who – despite their looming disbandment – would warmly welcome a return to our region in some capacity.

“We really enjoyed performing for Classical Kiama. We were thrilled with the capacity audience, which was very welcoming, responsive and appreciative,” says Hall.

Natalia & Diana

“The location is spectacular, and the Anglican Church is a perfect venue for chamber music. The acoustic is lovely and the ambience warm and intimate. We would gladly return in some form or other and we wish Classical Kiama all the best for their continuing series of concerts.”

Remaining Classical Kiama events for 2024 include Daniel Röhn (violin) and Olena Nikulina (piano) on 16 June, Jesse Flowers (guitar) on 18 August, and Simon Tedeschi (piano) and George Washingmachine (jazz violin and vocals) on 6 October. An end of year concert will follow in December, with details to be announced shortly. For further details and bookings, visit the Classical Kiama Facebook page.