The Australian String Quartet felt at home in
the rugged Pilbara surrounds


A trip to the Pilbara wouldn’t be complete
without a visit to Pilbara Iron’s operations

The sounds of classical music drifted across the Pilbara outback when the Australian String Quartet visited Tom Price and Karratha as part of their third national concert tour for 2007.

Audiences of more than 300 local residents were mesmerised by chamber music works including Beethoven’s String Quartet opus 18 no 1, inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Graeme Koehne’s beautiful settings of Lord Byron’s poems and Sibelius’ magical second quartet.

The Quartet, who are also accustomed to performing in concert halls and ballrooms or in the presence of royalty - they performed at the Danish royal wedding of Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik - felt welcomed and at home in the Pilbara.

They were also pleased to be given the time during the performance to explain each piece’s significance, pointing out varying characteristics in each movement.

“It was wonderful to be able to communicate with the audience so closely - the venues provided such intimate settings and as performers we were left in no doubt as to the enthusiasm of the audience,” says first violinist Sophie Rowell.

Local residents were awe inspired, including Rio Tinto Iron Ore Electrical Maintainer Allan Robinson.

“I must admit it wasn’t something my wife and I would normally have done.  But seeing as the Quartet had come all the way to Tom Price to perform, the least we could do was leave home to watch them play,” says Allan.

Not surprisingly, Allan and his wife were glad they left home.  Both thoroughly enjoyed the evening and have since gone on to discover more about the Quartet and their style of music.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s West Pilbara Operations General Manager Dale Harris says he was pleased to have the musicians visit the region through Rio Tinto’s sponsorship of the Quartet.

“We’re not often given the opportunity to attend performances of this distinction in our own backyard.  Artistic performances should be without bounds and it’s great to have this opportunity extended beyond the Perth metro area,” says Dale.

After four days in the Pilbara, a trip to Pilbara Iron’s inland and coastal operations, two public concerts, one school performance and an incredible low-flying flight over rugged landscape, the Quartet felt they’d experienced the true nature of the outback.

But while the red dust has settled, the memories won’t fade and on their return to Western Australia in 2008 the Pilbara will be top of the Quartet’s touring list.

For more information on the Australian String Quartet or to check out their 2007 touring schedule go to www.asq.com.au.