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On Tuesday March 20 at 7.00 pm the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) hosts the debut of Melbourne's newest string quartet, the Hamer Quartet.

The Hamer Quartet is named in honour of the late Sir Rupert Hamer and receives the enthusiastic support of Lady April Hamer. 
 
As Premier of Victoria (1972 - 1981) Sir Rupert Hamer was a passionate supporter of the arts. In addition to overseeing the completion of Hamer Hall, Sir Rupert served as chairman of Chamber Music Australia (formerly MICmusic) from 1989-2000, contributing to one of its most flourishing periods. The Hamer Quartet dedicates its name to Sir Rupert in recognition of his advocacy and deep commitment to chamber music over many years.

The Hamer Quartet is made up of four of Australia's most outstanding young musicians. All four members are past or current Australian National Academy of Music musicians. Leader Cameron Hill (23) of Doncaster won the 2005 Dorcas MacClean Scholarship and was the 2006 Young Performer of the Year. Rebecca Chan (25) of Toorak holds a Bachelor of Medicine. An Academy musician, Chan is a prominent freelance violinist. Violist Stefanie Farrands (18), also of Box Hill is a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra and a core member of Australia Pro Arte. Cellist Michael Dahlenberg (21) of North Melbourne is the winner of the Eric Reader Cello Award.

Most recently the Hamer Quartet progressed to the live audition round of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition Sir Rupert so dearly loved.

Violinist William Hennessy, recently appointed to the Artistic faculty at the Australian National Academy of Music says the arrival of the Hamer Quartet is big news indeed. 'This is a quartet that plays with grand ardour, with intoxicating warmth and with high intelligence' he said. 

'I am sure that Sir Rupert would have been enchanted with their marvellous music making. Further, he would have been delighted that these are four young people of the highest honour, generosity and integrity- qualities which Sir Rupert himself of course  epitomised.' 

At the launch, the Hamer Quartet will perform the world premiere of Douglas Weiland's String Quartet No. 3. Weiland, a British composer is a former violinist with the Australian String Quartet. He now composers full time and is currently working on commissions for St. Martin-in-the -Fields. In addition to the premiere, the quartet will perform works by Mendelssohn  and Smetana's treasured String Quartet No. 1 in E minor  'From my Life' 
 
For further information: www.anam.com.au