Melbourne’s own International prize-winners, Affinity Quartet, return from a period in Europe to perform Beethoven’s first foray into string quartets, the Opus 18, as a mini cycle over two days. The Opus 18 is considered by many to be an expression of total mastery of the string quartet form. The string quartet was re-invented, liberated and developed by Haydn, Mozart and Mendelssohn in turn, and in the Op 18 the young Beethoven conquers all. This superbly inventive and passionate music is performed by the rising stars of the next generation of Australian chamber musicians.