Meet the Members of the Pacifica Quartet
SIMIN GANATRA, violin, is widely recognized for her performances throughout the United States and abroad. She is described by critics as an "excellent and unique violinist" and heralded for "creating a miraculous sense of flow and otherworldly beauty." She is the recipient of awards, including the Naumburg Chamber Music Award, top prizes at the Concert Artists Guild Competition and Coleman Chamber Music Competition, and first prizes in the Union League of Chicago Competition, Pasadena Instrumental Competition, Minnesota Sinfonia Competition, and the Schubert Club Competition. She is currently on the faculty of Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music and the University of Chicago.
AUSTIN HARTMAN, violin, has distinguished himself as a chamber musician and soloist with performances throughout the world. As a soloist, Austin was the winner of the Stulberg International Competition and appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra. As a founding member of the Biava Quartet, he was the winner of the Naumburg Award and captured top prizes at the Premio Borciani and London International Competitions. Prior to joining the Pacifica Quartet, Austin served as the Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Indianapolis. He has earned Artist Diplomas from both the Juilliard School and Yale School of Music as well as degrees from the New England Conservatory and Cleveland Institute of Music.
Violist Mark Holloway is a chamber musician sought after in the United States and abroad. Hailed as an "outstanding violist" by American Record Guide, and praised by Zürich's Neue Zürcher Zeitung for his "warmth and intimacy," he has been an artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He has been principal violist at Tanglewood and of the New York String Orchestra, and frequently appeared as a guest with the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus, and the Metropolitan Opera orchestras. Mr. Holloway received his B.M. Summa cum laude at Boston University, and his Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music.
Brandon Vamos, cello, has appeared as soloist with orchestras worldwide to critical acclaim. Called a "first-rate cellist" by the Chicago Reader and praised for his "gutsy bravura" by the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Vamos has collaborated with many distinguished artists, including Paul Katz, Michael Tree, Yo-Yo Ma, Menahem Pressler, and the Emerson Quartet. He earned a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music, and a Master of Music Degree from Yale University.
