The Aroha Quartet returned to the city this week with another of their beautifully planned programmes, this recital featuring music by Haydn, Piazzolla, Ritchie and Mendelssohn.

Notably, this was the first local appearance of their new second violinist, Simeon Broome, who joined the familiar Haihong Liu (violin), Zhongxian Jin (viola) and our own expat cellist, Robert Ibell.

Haydn's G flat Quartet opened the programme but here, surprisingly for this quartet, the playing seemed a little lacking in finesse and commitment. The same could not be said for the rest of their programme however.

Piazzolla's Tango Ballet is a captivating work, arresting rhythms accompanying lively melodies, all beautifully crafted in this engaging performance which easily captured the essential beauty of the work.

Anthony Ritchie is recognised as one of New Zealand's most prolific composers but his Whakatipua,commissioned in 1995, has received infrequent performance. This is to deny the evocative nature of this charming work, but here very much revelled in by these players, who gave the work a warm and convincing performance.

The final work of the evening, Mendelssohn's String Quartet, Opus 80, is sometimes known as Requiem for Fanny, as it strongly reflects the composer's grief on the news of the death of his sister.

Here, another superbly sympathetic performance from this commanding quartet ensured that there was much for an audience to savour while reflecting on these distinctive performances.

(Original review at http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/lifestyle/78258970/quartet-offe... )