violin

Chinese-born NZSO first violinist Haihong is a graduate of the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music in the People's Republic of China, where she won the China National Chamber Music Competition in 1995 with the Beijing String Quartet. As a member of that ensemble she enjoyed a varied international career of concerts, festivals, and competitions throughout China, as well as major cities in Asia and Europe.

After six years teaching as a violin and chamber music lecturer at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music of Guangzhou, Haihong emigrated to New Zealand with her family in 2001, initially joining the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as sub-principal first violin, and moving to the NZSO in 2002.

With the Aroha String Quartet Haihong enjoys a varied and energetic musical life, touring nationwide.

violin

Konstanze Artmann (violin) was born and raised in Germany. Her violin studies included teaching and performance diplomas at the Higher College of Music in Salzburg (Austria) and at the Utrechts Conservatorium in Utrecht (The Netherlands). She also undertook postgraduate study with Isabelle van Keulen at the Koninklijk Conservatorium at The Hague (The Netherlands). Since completing her studies, Konstanze has worked professionally in Germany, Austria and The Netherlands in various orchestras and chamber music ensembles before coming to live in Wellington with her NZ husband in December 2007. She currently holds the position of principal second violin in Orchestra Wellington and teaches violin at her own studio.

viola

cello

Robert Ibell was born in Dannevirke and brought up in Palmerston North. While training there as a school teacher he learned cello from Judith Hyatt in Wellington.

From 1986 to 1992 Robert lived in London, studying cello with Tania Hunt, Derek Simpson and Christopher Bunting. He played at music schools and in masterclasses (where his teachers included Alexander Baillie, Steve Doane, Anner Bylsma and Steven Isserlis), taught, gave recitals and played in professional and amateur orchestras.

From 1993 to 2019 Robert was a member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He is now a cello teacher, chamber music coach, adjudicator and freelance performer. Robert is a member of the Aroha Quartet, square piano/cello duo Hammers & Horsehair, contemporary music group Stroma and indie/folk/rock band Milkthistle.