"A ravishing performance. Mr. Dichter’s reading ... was that of a flesh-and-blood poet, gently inflected, keenly felt, and executed with breathtaking polish from start to finish." – New York Times

"Stupendous strength and brilliance; nothing was ever done just for the sake of effect. As an interpreter, Mr. Dichter combined romantic fervor with princely self-discipline." – The Times (London)

"The pianist commands a wide dynamic and emotional range, finds nuances as well as new insights in all the music he plays, and places his details carefully. Dichter’s tremendous authority at the keyboard is the result of a comprehensive technique combined with an astute musicality." – Los Angeles Times

With a career spanning over six decades, Mischa Dichter has captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and passion for music. A laureate of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, he has performed with leading orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Known for his masterful interpretations and technical prowess, Dichter’s performances are celebrated for their depth, sensitivity, and brilliance. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with one of the most esteemed pianists of our time.  

“An exceptionally talented group... With bows flying and notes swirling, this quartet has a bright future ahead” – Ponca City News

The Balourdet Quartet received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition as well as the top prize in the 2021 Premio Paolo Borciani in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The group also received the Gold Medal in the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Gold Medal and Audience Award at the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, and the Second Prize in the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition.

Highlights of the 2024-25 season include performances at the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, the Kennedy Center, What Makes it Great at Merkin Hall, and a weeklong residency at Stanford University. Recently, they have performed at La Jolla Music Society, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Northwestern University Winter Chamber Music Festival, and Chamber Music Houston. Collaborations include pianists Marc-André Hamelin, Simone Dinnerstein, Stewart Goodyear, Albert Cano Smit, cellist Astrid Schween, and violist Jordan Bak. During this season, they continue their position as String Quartet in Residence with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle in North Carolina where they curate the Up Close Chamber Music Series, serve as principals in the orchestra, and engage with the larger community of the Triangle region. 

PROGRAM

Paul NOVAK Barlow Endowment for Music Composition (2024)

Bedřich SMETANA String Quartet in E Minor, “From my Life”

Antonín DVORAK Piano Quintet in A Major, Opus 81