American Retrospective: Recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary

To recognize the historic Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of America in 2026, the Pacifica Quartet features three works for string quartet in an anniversary retrospective that creates a musical collage based on the musical themes from the American Experience. From the incorporation of American hymn tunes in the first quartet of Charles Ives, to the popular sounds from Hollywood’s silver screen in the String Quartet No. 3 of Korngold, to the indigenous folk influences found in Dvorak’s beloved “American” Quartet, this program gives listeners a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of America’s musical landscape captured over its 250-year history.

Program
Ives: String Quartet No. 1
Korngold: String Quartet No. 3, Op. 34
Dvořák: String Quartet in F major, Op. 96, “American”