About Us

The Nikau String Quartet are a group of talented string players with a passion for playing great music. From classics by Bach, to classy jazz, their versatility in setting a mood is sure to impress. Based in Auckland, the quartet offers a friendly and professional service with great music perfect for your wedding, event, or function.

The NIkau Quartet was formed in 2004 in Waiatarua on Aucklands west coast. It was from these beautiful surroundings that the name Nikau Quartet was penned. Since then the Nikau Quartet has performed all over Auckland, entertaining at weddings, corporate functions and more.

The members of the Nikau Quartet are all active performers in the Auckland music scene, and have been performing at weddings and functions in Auckland since 2004. We are committed to being reliable and affordable, if you are interested in a smaller group for a more cost effective solution talk to us about options for trios, duos and solo performances.

Browse our website to find out more!

Emily Allen --- Violin, Viola

Emily Allen completed a performance degree in violin at Canterbury University, and while in Christchurch she freelanced as a violinist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Emily continued her violin studies in England with the Hungarian violin teacher Kato Havas. While in England, she gained a Masters in violin performance and worked both as a freelance violinist and music teacher. Back in New Zealand, Emily has worked with several orchestras both in and outside of Auckland as a freelance violinist and violist. She has worked as concert master, section player, soloist, chamber musician, and with rock groups such as the New Zealand folk rock group Hoop. Emily also enjoys teaching violin and viola.

Natalie Tantrum --- Violin

Natalie is a violinist and music arranger, who collaborates with outstanding artists both locally and overseas. She has recorded for Concert FM and the BBC, and combines her passion for excellent performance with her skill in bringing clients’ favourite music to life, to make each celebration truly wonderful.

Michael Laurie --- Violin, Viola

Michael studied violin and viola performance with Donald Maurice and Kevin Lefohn at Otago University, and with Dmitri Atanasov and Christine Bowie at Waikato University, graduating with a BMus (Hons). He has played with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Opus Chamber Orchestra and Bach Musica. He started playing with the Nikau Quartet as their first call 'sub' in 2010, and has been playing viola with them regularly since around 2015.For Michael, the enjoyable thing about the Nikau group, along with their large repertoire of great classical music and jazz standards, is their readiness to put in extra work arranging and rehearsing music chosen by clients.

Robin Snape --- Cello

Robin grew up in Auckland, studied at Otago and Auckland Universities, and pursued postgraduate study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she worked and taught as a freelance cellist. Robin works fulltime as a professional cello teacher around Auckland and also loves to perform in orchestras and chamber groups.