Chinese string quartet debuts in New Zealand

The Chinese string quartet Amber Quartet staged a maiden concert on Friday in Christchurch, the largest city of New Zealand's South Island.

Friday's concert, presented by artists from the Central Conservatory of Music of China, was a leg of their debut tour in New Zealand, along with two other concerts on Wednesday and Thursday in Picton and Blenheim.

The local audience not only enjoyed masterpieces of Eastern and Western classics, but also had the opportunity to appreciate the joint performances by the Amber Quartet, one of China's most celebrated string quartets, and the artists from Christchurch, said Chinese Consul General in Christchurch He Ying.

The concert definitely helped enhance cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two peoples, He said, adding that the performance was also one of a series of activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.

Over the years, Amber Quartet has been committed to development and innovation of the integration of Chinese folk music and Western classical music, enjoying high reputation in the music world both at home and abroad, she said.

Yang Yichen, Amber Quartet's cellist, said there is a large fan base for classical music in New Zealand.