Aroha
String Quartet
Haihong Liu & Konstanze Artmann
violins
Nicholas Hancox
viola
Robert Ibell
cello
Acclaimed as demonstrating “accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity” (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s finest chamber music ensembles.
Founded in 2004, this versatile Wellington-based quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovation.
Haihong Liu is the remaining original member of the Aroha Quartet. Robert Ibell joined the group in 2009 and Konstanze Artmann in 2018. After Zhongxian Jin’s departure from the group at the end of 2025 the viola position is being filled for the first half of 2026 by NZSO Assistant Principal Nicholas Hancox and for the second half of 2026 by NZSO violist Eli Vincent.
The Aroha Quartet is committed to presenting string quartet works from western classical and avant-garde repertoire to traditional Chinese folk music, as well as works for larger forces through collaborations with numerous high-profile musicians.
The Aroha Quartet performs regularly around Aotearoa in centres from the Deep South to the Far North.
