Show goes on despite missing bags

A leading string quartet says the temporary loss of 19 pieces of luggage will not stop tonight's show.

The Kronos Quartet flew from San Francisco to Auckland via Los Angeles on Monday.

Most of the luggage was not delivered to the musicians until yesterday - and three pieces of luggage containing equipment for their concert tonight were missing.

The quartet's artistic director and violinist David Harrington said musical scores and essential equipment were safe as they had been taken on board the plane - including a cello which occupied a seat at full fare.

"This kind of thing is one of the liabilities of travelling as much as the Kronos Quartet does."

Mr Harrington said it reminded him of the story of the American man who wanted to fly to Oakland, near San Francisco, but ended up in Auckland.

"Maybe that's where the luggage is, across the bay from San Francisco."

The three missing bags would not stop the group's performance at the Auckland Town Hall.

The members of the quartet are performing for the first time in Auckland. Their contemporary music has featured in soundtracks for films including Requiem for a Dream and 21 Grams.