ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE
Renowned for their definitive performances of works spanning three centuries, the Pacifica Quartet pairs one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s late masterpieces for string quartet with three works by American masters, including a new work by composer James Lee III, written for the quartet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Karen Slack under a commission by Carnegie Hall, Baltimore’s Shriver Hall, Chamber Music Cincinnati, and Chamber Music Detroit.
PROGRAM
Florence Price: String Quartet No. 1 in G major
Louis Gruenberg: Four Diversions for String Quartet, Op. 32
James Lee III: “A Double Standard” (Detroit Premiere, co-commissioned by Chamber Music Detroit)
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Pacifica Quartet
Simin Ganatra, violin
Austin Hartman, violin
Mark Holloway, viola
Brandon Vamos, cello
With a career spanning nearly three decades, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Quartet is known for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertory choices. Serving as faculty string quartet-in-residence at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for over a decade, the Quartet was previously quartet-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and most recently received its second Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance for Contemporary Voices (2020). The Quartet also leads the Center for Advanced Quartet Studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School.
“...nothing short of phenomenal...”
Karen Slack, soprano
Hailed for possessing a voice of extraordinary beauty, a seamless legato and great dramatic depth, American soprano Karen Slack has garnered international renown for her artistic versatility and charisma. A recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Slack is known for her dynamic and passionate performances in both lead operatic roles and on the concert stage; as a sought-after collaborator, curator, and artistic advisor; and for her ground-breaking approach to engagement. She is an Artistic Advisor for Portland Opera, Co-Chair of the Women's Opera Network with Opera America, and serves on the board of the American Composer’s Orchestra. In January 2022, Slack was appointed Creative Partner with Brooklyn’s National Sawdust.
“...the feisty, rich-voiced soprano Karen Slack”
