Orava String Quartet, founded in 2007 by three siblings: violinists Daniel Kowalik, Sylwia Kowalik-Waples, and cellist Karol Kowalik and completed by violist Thomas Chawner. Based in Sydney, they have performed locally and nationally in venues such as the Utzon Room in Sydeny Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre and City Recital Hall, Angel Place. Internationally, Orava have performed in Canada, China, Hong Kong and in 2010 completed a highly successful tour of Asia for Musica Viva with world-renowned didgeridoo performer and composer William Barton. The quartet regularly perform at festivals which include the Musica Viva Festival, Crossroads, Chinese Gardens Music Festival and have performed for the Queen Sofia of Spain and Pope Benedict XVI.

The Orava Quartet has received many scholarships including the Chamber Music Residency at the prestigious Banff Arts Centre in Canada, and in 2009 was selected as one of six finalists for the Asia-Pacific Chamber Music Competition. Orava has also been featured on 2MBS FMs Rising Stars On-Air program and currently as part of the Musica Viva Rising Stars Series. In 2012 Orava will be featured artists for Musica Viva.

Apart from the quartets determination and passion, some of Orava’s other inspirations have included studying with members of the Takacs, Emerson, Australian, St Lawrence, Jerusalem, Brentano, Julliard and Goldner String Quartets. Orava is studying under the mentorships of prominent Australia educators, Uzi Wiesel and Janet Davies.

Paul Halley - winner of 5 Grammy Awards

Australian composer Paul Halley featuring Orava String Quartet performing Halley and Mendelssohn String Quartet no. 2 in A minor op. 13 Mater Dei Chapel, 22 Macquarie Grove Rd, Camden
Saturday 10 December, 2011, 7pm
Tickets at the door
www.paulhalleymusic.com/

Hear them, watch them playing

Australian composer Paul Halley featuring Orava String Quartet performing Halley and Mendelssohn String Quartet no. 2 in A minor op. 13
Sunday 11 December, 2011, 2:30pm. The Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House.
Tickets available from the Box Office (02)92507777 or[] sydneyoperahouse.com
www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/orava_string_quartet_2012.aspx

what's on

2012

Mosman Concert Series
Sunday 25th March 2:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Church,[] Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
Program to be advised
www.mosmanconcertseries.org.au/

Bellingen Music Festival
Friday June 8th 7:30pm
Saturday June 9th 2:30pm
Program to be advised
www.bellingenmusicfestival.com.au/performers_2012.html

PAST PERFORMANCES 2011

Mosman Concert Series
Sunday 27th Feb 2:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
Haydn: op. 20 no. 4 "Sun" Tchaikovsky: No.1, Op. 11 2nd & 3rd mvt Schulhoff: No. 1 Borodin:Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2

www.mosmanconcertseries.org.au/archives/13

Echo Music Series
Saturday 5th March 2pm at Blacktown Art Centre
Haydn: op. 20 no. 4 "Sun" Tchaikovsky: No.1, Op. 11 2nd & 3rd mvt Schulhoff: No. 1

www.artscentre.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/performance/echo-music-series-2011.cfm

Musica Viva Festival (AYO Chamber Players) 21st April - 5th May Bartok: No 2 Haydn: op. 74 no. 1 in C major

Pearl Beach Chamber Music Festival Saturday 11th June 2.30pm Haydn:op. 74 no. 1 in C major Tchaikovsky: No.1, Op. 11 Schulhoff: No. 1

Musica Viva Rising Stars Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House Sunday 26th June at 5pm Mozart Quintet in G minor with guest artist Stephen King Schulhoff: No. 1 Sculthorpe: No. 9 www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/orava_string_quartet.aspx