The Tryon Concert Association will feature the acclaimed Pacifica Quartet as part of its 2025-2026 season of chamber music concerts. This highly anticipated performance is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.
Formed in 1994, the Pacifica Quartet has gained recognition for its exceptional musicianship and dynamic performance style. The ensemble comprises Simin Ganatra (violin), Austin Hartmann (violin), Mark Holloway (viola), and Brandon Vamos (cello). Their accolades include the prestigious 1998 Naumberg Chamber Music Award, Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award, and an Avery Fisher Career Grant. The quartet also won a Grammy Award for its recording of Contemporary Voices, which features works by three Pulitzer Prize-winning composers.
The ensemble has performed widely, showcasing its talents in major cities across North America, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom. This season’s itinerary includes notable venues such as New York City, San Francisco, and the Library of Congress, alongside their scheduled appearance in Tryon.
Program Highlights and Unique Compositions
The Pacifica Quartet’s program for this concert includes a selection of significant works. Among them is String Quartet No. 1, Op. 57, by Charles Ives. This piece, characterized by its innovative use of familiar hymns, reflects Ives’s unique approach to music. While studying at Yale University, Ives played the organ at Center Church on the Green in New Haven. His unconventional interpretations of hymns reportedly startled churchgoers accustomed to traditional renditions.
Another notable piece on the program is String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 34, by Erich Korngold. Created during his successful Hollywood career, Korngold infused this work with themes from his film scores, making it a fascinating blend of classical and cinematic music. Audiences familiar with films like Between Two Worlds, The Sea Wolf, and Devotion will recognize themes derived from Korngold’s cinematic compositions.
The evening will conclude with Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 96, often referred to as the “American” quartet. Composed while Dvořák was working on his famous New World Symphony in Spillville, Iowa, this piece reflects his experiences in America. Critics suggest that the work draws inspiration from the Iowa landscape, reminiscent of his native Bohemia, and incorporates birdsong heard during his countryside walks.
For those interested in attending this exceptional concert, additional information is available at tryonconcerts.org or by calling 888-501-0297. The Pacifica Quartet promises an evening of innovative and captivating performances that will resonate with both classical music enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
