A Wellington family of four who formed a quartet during New Zealand’s 2020 lockdown is to perform in Tauranga on September 22 as an introduction to our city’s RimuFest school holiday programme.

The Family Lockdown Quartet is made up of parents Donald Maurice – a well-known violist – and Rupa Maitra and their children Lucy and Gemma, who started performing live zoom concerts for audiences worldwide in the globe-stopping height of the pandemic.

“Despite the occasional fiery rehearsals, the quartet has stayed together and has since played at public venues like Te Papa in addition to having a Youtube channel,” says Donald.

Donale is the violist of the quartet and coach of the upcoming RimuFest holiday programme on September 26.

“The Family Lockdown Quartet concert at The Jam Factory on September 22 is a lead-in to the holiday programme.

“The RimuFest is a chamber music programme for beginner to advanced string players between the ages of seven-18, with the ethos being to support youth in their musical endeavours.

“This concert gives youngsters a taste of what’s to come.”

Amelia Taylor, violinist and co-founder of RimuFest, says the quartet will delight audiences with their diverse and captivating musical repertoire.

“Their performances strike a perfect balance between classical elegance and contemporary flair, encompassing classical masterpieces alongside upbeat 90s pop and rock hits,' says Amelia.

As such, Amelia says audiences should prepare to be swept away on a “timeless and modern” musical journey.

The Family Lockdown Quartet performs at The Jam Factory, Historic Village, on Friday, September 22 from 7pm.

Door sales from 6.30pm – or purchase tickets at: https://www.theincubator.co.nz/event-details/lockdown-quartet