Maybe because of family connections, the Wellington-based Aroha Quartet are the most frequently heard string quartet in our city and, in this situation, I always fear that listener fatigue may set in.
However, the Quartet itself seems to have faced this issue, always ensuring their programmes reflect great variety and interest.
Wednesday's programme was no exception, featuring two well known quartets by Haydn and Beethoven placing them alongside Lillburn's String Quartet in E minor.
Wednesday's concert was actually an important occasion for the Quartet as it was the first performance including their new second violinist, Simeon Broom, who joined Haihong Liu (violin), Zhongxian Jin (viola) and Palmerston North's own Robert Ibell, on the cello.
Together they played with a great feeling of ensemble, their awareness allowing them to explore these works with a depth of understanding and clarity.
Haydn's Quartet in E flat Op33 is nicknamed The Joke with it's intermittent silences in the final movement supposedly planned to catch out the inattentive.
It is a joyous work, and so it proved to be in this performance where it was performed with considerable flair and vibrancy.
Beethoven's String Quartet No9 in C major Op 59, No 3 (Razumovsky) likewise is an upbeat work, its all pervading radiance making it a popular work with audiences, much in evidence last night.
The fresh approach given by this quartet captured the very essence of the work's charm.
However, it was Douglas Lilburn's String Quartet in E minor that proved to be the most interesting choice.
It is one hundred years since Lillburn was born in Whanganui, and his presence, this year, in such programmes is most appropriate.
You may remember that our own sinfonia is featuring works by Lillburn in each of their programmes this year, ensuring that Lilburn may be heard more frequently in Palmerston North this year than many other centres.
Lilburn's String Quartet is a captivating work, the quartet giving an expressive performance superbly realising the work's intrinsic depth of beauty, providing an evening much admired and appreciated by those present.