Pacifica Quartet – Sept. 29 at Mandeville Auditorium, $15-$17
From what I’ve heard, they’re good.
Young, dynamic and devoted to contemporary classical music, Pacifica Quartet have been honored in top international competitions and now continue their global tour at UCSD by launching the first evening of Art Power’s Chamber Session.
Debuting 12 years ago, Pacifica Quartet are still actively touring in Europe and have been featured in top radio broadcasts, including National Public Radio, meanwhile earning a reputation for performing their program with skill and fire.
Classical music aficionados will find that the group’s vigorous performances and vibrant, sensitive energy are deserving of their wins at three major competitions: the 1996 Coleman Chamber Music Competition, the 1997 Concert Artists Guild Competition and the 1998 Naumburg Chamber Music Awards.
Pacifica Quartet’s thoughtful approach to music, flawless performance and expert musicianship will offer a convincing reason for new listeners to venture into classical music — acquiring that strange level of sophistication always connected to classical music appreciation.
With Simon Ganatra and Sibbi Bernhardsson on violin, Masumi Per Rostad on viola and Brandon Vamos on cello, Pacifica Quartet will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 12; Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No. 4 in C-major and Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 8 in E-minor, Op. 59, No.2. (JG)
San Diego Film Festival – Sept. 27 – Oct. 1 in the Gaslamp Quarter
Heading a year’s batch of ethnicity- and identity-specific film festivals held in San Diego, this all-inclusive bash offers a wide and exciting selection of both locally grown and nationally recognized projects. Showcase venues include the W Hotel, Borders Books, Pacific Theater and House of Blues, adjusting interior scenery to better serve a cinematic duty.
Standout films include “The Queen” (Oct. 1, 7 p.m.), an inside look at Queen Elizabeth and the prime minister during the aftermath of Princess Diana’s public demise, and “Crónica de una Fuga” (Sept. 29, 9:30 p.m.), a politically charged story of the governmental kidnapping, imprisoned torture, and escape of an Argentinean goalkeeper.
Also featured at the festival will be “Cries From Ramah” (by UCSD alumnus Loren E. Chadima, Warren ’88, playing Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 4:45 p.m.). The film depicts two mothers — one Israeli and one Palestinean — brought together by the shared loss of their sons from suicide bombings. The film has already gathered a few awards and promises to wow the San Diego crowd as well. (SW)
