The Goldner String Quartet has announced that its 2024 season, marking its 30th anniversary, will be its last as a performing quartet.

The disbandment was announced in Townsville by Goldner cellist Julian Smiles at the final performance of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music on 5 August. It was a fitting occasion and location; the quartet has performed there every year except one during its 29-year history and served as AFCMs’ quartet-in-residence.

The Goldner String Quartet. Photo © Keith Saunders

The Goldner String Quartet began in 1995 and borrows its name from violist Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia. Its members are violinists Dene Olding and Dimity Hall, violist Irina Morozova and cellist Smiles, each of whom are also members of the Australia Ensemble. Olding and Morozova are married to each other, as are Hall and Smiles.

The quartet first performed at London’s Wigmore Hall in 1997, two years after it debuted. It has also made appearances at the 2011 City of London Festival, and as frequent collaborators with Musica Viva in its International Concert Series.