Pacifica Quartet to Enchant Audiences at Tryon Fine Arts Center

The Tryon Concert Association is set to host the Pacifica Quartet as part of its 2025-2026 chamber music series. This highly anticipated concert will take place on November 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Tryon Fine Arts Center. The event promises an evening of exceptional music delivered by one of the most acclaimed string quartets in the world.

Founded in 1994, the Pacifica Quartet has garnered a reputation for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. The ensemble consists of Simin Ganatra and Austin Hartmann on violins, Mark Holloway on viola, and Brandon Vamos on cello. Their accolades include the prestigious 1998 Naumberg Chamber Music Award, Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award, and an Avery Fisher Career Grant, alongside a Grammy Award for their recording of *Contemporary Voices*, which highlights works by three Pulitzer Prize-winning composers.

The Pacifica Quartet has performed extensively in major cities across North America, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Their current season features appearances in renowned venues such as New York City, San Francisco, the Library of Congress, and the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, with Tryon as a prominent stop on their tour.

Program Highlights for the Evening

The concert program will include a selection of significant works that showcase both classical and modern compositions. One of the featured pieces is the String Quartet No. 1, Op. 57, by Charles Ives. This work is notable for its creative use of familiar hymns, reflecting Ives’ innovative approach during his time as an organist at Center Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His unique interpretations often surprised audiences who were accustomed to traditional hymnal renditions.

Also on the program is Erich Korngold’s String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 34. This composition, crafted during Korngold’s successful career in Hollywood, incorporates musical themes from his film scores, offering a fascinating blend of classical and cinematic elements. Film enthusiasts may recognize motifs from movies such as *Between Two Worlds*, *The Sea Wolf*, and *Devotion* interwoven into the quartet’s fabric.

The final piece for the evening is Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 96, famously known as the “American.” Composed during Dvořák’s stay in Spillville, Iowa, this work reflects his experiences in the American landscape and is believed to be influenced by the natural beauty of the Midwest, which reminded him of his native Bohemia.

Attending the Concert

Tickets for the concert can be purchased through the Tryon Concert Association’s website at tryonconcerts.org. For further inquiries, interested attendees can also reach out via telephone at 888-501-0297. This concert represents a unique opportunity to experience the dynamic and engaging performances of the Pacifica Quartet, making it an event not to be missed for classical music aficionados in the region.

The Tryon Concert Association continues to enrich the cultural landscape by bringing world-class performances to local audiences, and the Pacifica Quartet’s upcoming concert is a testament to their commitment to excellence in music.