She is Australia's ‘poet of the guitar’* and they are one of the country's most dynamic and versatile string quartets. Now, for the first time, Karin Schaupp and Flinders Quartet have joined forces to record an album of extraordinary diversity, sensual delights and dazzling virtuosity.

'We had been collaborating in concerts for about a year and had developed a real rapport right from the outset,' says Karin, whose appearances in the David Wlliamson-authored stage play Lotte's Gift have gained her a massive public following over recent years. 'Ironically the first time we played together was at the Four Winds Festival at Bermagui and the concert was called Fandango with Friends. Now we've become friends and the album's called Fandango!'

Recorded in the crystal-clear acoustic of the Salon at the Melbourne Recital Centre, the album's centrepiece is the famous Fandango Quintet by Boccherini - one of the most popular and instantly identifiable pieces in the chamber repertoire. 'It's so much fun to play,' says Karin, 'and we are thrilled to have made the first Australian commercial recording of this wonderful gem.'

Other works by the Argentinian guitarist Maximo Diego Pujol, a glorious quartet by Haydn, and a compelling new work from Karin's friend, the Australian composer Philip Houghton, complete a CD of striking originality and rare beauty.

Karin Schaupp and Flinders Quartet are touring in June:

• 16-Jun The Capital, Bendigo, VIC
• 17-Jun Peninsula Music Society, Peninsula, VIC
• 18-Jun Montsalvat Barn Gallery, Eltham, VIC
• 19-Jun Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Centre, Southbank, VIC
• 04-Jul Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW

Karin is currently touring with Katie Noonan.

For more information, go to http://karinschaupp.com/tour.html