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(March 7, 2012) The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music announced today that the Grammy Award-winning PACIFICA QUARTET, one of the leading chamber music ensembles worldwide, has been appointed as its quartet-in-residence. The four members of the ensemble - Simin Ganatra and Sibbi Bernhardsson, violin; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; and Brandon Vamos, cello - will join the school's full-time faculty, beginning fall 2012. "It has been more than fifty years since Indiana University has had a quartet-in-residence, with all members on the faculty," said Jacobs School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards. "During that time, the role of chamber music in the education of our students has become a foundational gateway to multiple artistic realms. It is particularly exciting to know that the Pacifica Quartet will join us now, as we continue to develop this area of our school." "Having the Pacifica Quartet as quartet-in-residence fulfills a long held passion of virtually every string faculty member of the Jacobs School of Music for such a group," said Lawrence Hurst, Chair of the Jacobs School's String Department. "The Pacifica has everything one associates with great chamber music: artistry, passion, precision, communication and great style. Added to these attributes is a dedication to teaching and students that is unusual among such ensembles. We have a perfect fit for Indiana University and the Jacobs School of Music."
The Pacifica Quartet commented,"We feel deeply honored to be joining this fantastic institution. Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music has such a storied legacy of excellence in music. We are excited to work with the outstanding students there, and be part of the wonderful faculty at the Jacobs School of Music." Pianist Menahem Pressler noted, "It is with great delight that I heard the wonderful news that the Pacifica Quartet, who is without a doubt one of the finest young quartets playing today, has joined the faculty of the Jacobs School of Music. The position of Indiana University, which already has one of the great music schools, will be further enhanced by having the the Pacifica Quartet on the faculty. Congratulations to both the Pacifica Quartet and the University!" As resident faculty of the Jacobs School, the ensemble's members will be involved in educational and performance activities such as teaching privately, coaching chamber music, working collaboratively with faculty and departments, and performing concerts. |