Since 1985, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) has created unforgettable string quartet performances for national and international audiences. Dedicated to musical excellence with a distinctly Australian flavour, our purpose is to create chemistry and amplify intimacy through experiences that connect people with string quartet music. From our home base at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music, we reach out across Australia and the world to engage people with an outstanding program of performances, workshops, commissions and education projects. Our distinct sound is enhanced by a matched set of 18th century Guadagnini instruments, handcrafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini between c.1743 and 1784 in Turin and Piacenza, Italy. These precious instruments are on loan for our exclusive use through the generosity of UKARIA. Dale Barltrop plays a 1784 Guadagnini Violin, Turin | Francesca Hiew plays a 1748-49 Guadagnini Violin, Piacenza | Christopher Cartlidge plays a 1783 Guadagnini Viola, Turin | Michael Dahlenburg plays a c.1743 Guadagnini Violincello, Piacenza ‘Ngeringa’