The Starlight String Quartet features the finest international classical musicians. In a typical Starlight Strings performance, these stylish performers showcase their versatility by way of a varied repertoire and dynamic interaction. Starlight Strings members have played in professional orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world. The quartet travels extensively performing in New Zealand and overseas. Violinist, founding member and musical director John Fennell leads the Starlight String Quartet. The quartet has achieved gold album status and an album of the year nomination. More recently, they have performed in the Kingdom of Tonga where John worked as Musical Director for the Late King George Tupou V. The quartet offers an extensive and charming repertoire and delights audiences with their varied popular and classical selections.

Repertoire

The Starlight String Quartet has an extensive repertoire ranging from popular classics through to the popular hits of today. In addition to standard classical favourites they offer musical themes to suit many tastes, including:

‘Romantic Strings’: gentle sweet music for quieter affairs.
‘Latin Fiesta’: favourite Latin hits with rhythm accompaniment.
‘Classics’: string quartet music for connoisseurs with favourites from the Classical masters - unique arrangements which have proven to be highly appealing.
‘Popular’: a selection of hits from Duke Ellington, Gershwin and The Beatles through to today's favourites. 

Their repertoire is currently in excess of 12 hours without repetition.

Testimonials

“Bravo”
- Stephane Grapelli, at our sell out Auckland concert

“... a confectionery of musical delights ...”
- New Zealand Herald review

“Unquestionably ... world class”
- Aria Artists, Singapore

“... Wunderbar! The Starlight Strings captured the mood of Austria for our National Day celebration - Mozart and Strauss echoed through the Hyatt Hotel ...”
October 1999, G. Simanke,
- Austrian Consulate representative

“Many thanks for the wonderful way in which your group delivered your services during the visit of the Asian Pacific Bankers Club. Participants were unanimous in their enthusiasm!”
- Liz Holstead, Events by Design

“Your performers are of an exceptional standard and feedback from visitors is very positive”
- Tricia Mather, Atrium on Elliott

Performance Highlights

• ‘200 years of Mozart’ concert celebrations
• Featured during Opera New Zealand’s seasons of “Die Fleidermaus” by Strauss and “Le Nozze di Figaro” by Mozart
• Performing for the Crown Prince of Tonga
• Appearances at 2 years of the ANZ Wine & Food Festival
• Support act for pop star ‘Meatloaf’ October
• 2 month nationwide promotional tour for their first album ‘Romantic Strings’. This album went ‘gold’ within the first five (5) weeks of its release and was subsequently nominated as a finalist for album of the year.
• Official banquet meeting for Queen Elizabeth II and Commonwealth Heads of State during C.H.O.G.M. held in Auckland
• Support act for Stephane Grapelli’s Auckland concert
• Featured in Auckland City Council’s popular Wintergarden concert series held in the Auckland Domain.
• Released their 2nd album “Romancing the Strings” through BMG Music Label
• Performed on board for luxury cruise ships "Legends of the Sea" and Silversea Cruises.