Flinders Quartet Inc.

Flinders Quartet Inc. is an Australian nonprofit organization and professional string quartet based in Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 2000, it is recognized as the longest-running professional string quartet in Melbourne and has gained international respect as a significant force in chamber music. The organization is committed to promoting the accessibility and contemporary relevance of the string quartet art form in 21st century Australia[5].

Mission and Vision

The mission of Flinders Quartet is to be a vanguard of artistic excellence and generosity, championing art-form renewal, community engagement, and creative and commercial vibrancy. The quartet aims to challenge and champion the role of the string quartet in modern Australia. Its vision is to serve as an industry exemplar for diversity, relevance, and masterful performance[5].

Activities and Programs

Flinders Quartet operates across four main pillars of activity:

• Subscription Series: The group presents an annual subscription series of chamber music concerts in Melbourne, featuring a full spectrum of classical and contemporary Australian compositions. These concerts are also presented nationally, recorded, live-streamed, and receive regular airplay on ABC Classic, 3MBS, and Sydney’s Fine Music FM[1][4][5].

• Industry Development: The organization supports Australian composers by commissioning and premiering new works. It runs composer development programs and produces recordings to promote Australian chamber music[5].

• Community Outreach: Flinders Quartet invests in remote and socially disadvantaged communities through regional mentoring and high school residencies, particularly engaging culturally diverse and disenfranchised young people. A notable residency has been held at Footscray High School, contributing to music education and industry development[3][5].

• Touring: The quartet tours regionally, nationally across Victoria and Northern Tasmania, as well as internationally, helping to expand the reach of chamber music throughout Australia and beyond[1][4][5].

Governance and Support

Flinders Quartet Inc. is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds Tax Concession Charity (TCC) endorsement and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, enabling it to receive tax-deductible donations[3]. The organization has a strong network of patrons and supporters, including prominent figures such as Julian Burnside AO KC, and is governed by a board committed to inclusive representation, including First Nations peoples[3][5].

Cultural Commitment

Acknowledging its location on Wurundjeri land in the Kulin Nation, Flinders Quartet honors the unceded lands on which it lives, works, and makes music. The organization emphasizes cultural safety and inclusivity in its operations and programming[2][5].

Online Presence

Flinders Quartet maintains an active online presence where it shares information about upcoming concert seasons, educational programs, recordings, and ways to support its activities. The website offers digital access to its performances and details on its partnerships and community initiatives[2].

This article provides an overview of Flinders Quartet Inc., highlighting its contributions to Australian chamber music, community engagement, and cultural leadership within the nonprofit arts sector.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1813c176-3aaf-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [2] https://www.flindersquartet.com [3] https://www.flindersquartet.com/support-fq [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1813c176-3aaf-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/ad46582f-2b22-ef11-840a-002248964162 [5] https://flinders-quartet.squarespace.com/s/Flinders-Quartet-Cultural-Safety-Plan.pdf