ORAVA String Quartet

NIMA presents The ORAVA QUARTET in association with Newcastle Youth Orchestra and City Evolutions.

Founded in 2007, The Orava Quartet consists of brothers Daniel Kowalik (violin), Karol Kowalik (cello), and is competed by David Dalseno (violin) and Thomas Chawner (viola). The Orava Quartet is privileged to have been selected to study at Colorado University, Boulder U.S.A, where they are studying as the graduate quartet in residence with the world renowned Takacs String Quartet. When not abroad, the quartet is based in Sydney and performs locally and nationally in venues including the Utzon Room in Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre and City Recital Hall, Angel Place. Internationally, Orava have performed in Canada, China, United Arab Emirates and 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 performs at festivals which include the Musica Viva Festival, The Sydney Vivid Festival, Crossroads and Chinese Gardens Music Festival, and have performed for Queen Sofia of Spain and Pope Benedict XVI.

In addition to the quartet's determination and passion, Orava’s other inspirations include having studied with members of the Takacs, Emerson, Australian, St Lawrence, Schoenberg, Jerusalem, Brentano, Julliard and Goldner String Quartets. In Sydney, Orava is mentored by prominent Australian educators Uzi Wiesel, Ole Böhn and Janet Davies.