ANAM Quartetthaus grew from a simple idea: to conceive and build a space that is shaped at every turn by the music to be performed within it, a place unencumbered by the ‘rhetoric’ of traditional concert presentation.
Ever since the 18th century, the string quartet has occupied a unique place in the minds of composers. It has provided the formal mechanism for the most intimate and often intense exploration of technical and musical thoughts and ideas.
A beautiful 11m x 11m timber cube, the ANAM Quartetthaus is a boutique, portable listening space that seats just 52 patrons in two circles around a central performance space: it offers the experience of being inside a string quartet, if not inside an actual string instrument.
The initial concept for ANAM Quartetthaus was proposed by Ben Cobham, co-director of bluebottle, (established 1991 with Andrew Livingston), to ANAM in 2010, igniting a rich collaboration. bluebottle has operated within many sectors across its 30 year history and continues to pivot and redefine itself amongst a vast network of talented Australian companies and individuals. ANAM Quartetthaus' design and collaboration is one of the many highlights among bluebottle’s portfolio.
In developing this innovative concept, bluebottle collaborated with a vast network of artists, engineers, musicians and technical specialists to envision and build a space that dissolves the performer / listener divide, enabling a shared experience through broken down barriers. Part design installation, part architecture, part music, ANAM Quartetthaus is a special listening place and celebration of intimate, live performance.
Kronos Quartet’s David Harrington said after attending the inaugural season of ANAM Quartetthaus in Melbourne:
"When people begin to realise how visceral the experience can be of hearing the flesh of fingers and rosined horse hair attack the strings, when the life-altering experience of being able to be so close together with the inner voice of music becomes known, then the reason the string quartet is so alive and thriving will be clear: because it sounds so intensely and wondrously human."
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view
Open larger view