The String Quartet Smackdown. On Staccato

After a two year break, Golden Hornet’s String Quartet Smackdown is on again.  This is the competition that uses the bracket system of March Madness with a live audience to determine the winner. Among the 16 finalists is Evan Blaché of Cedar Park, who won the competition two years ago.  The String Quartet Smackdown is Saturday, February 22nd at The Baker Center. That same weekend, the Austin Symphony Orchestra gives a nod to Black History Month with its American Splendor concert.  It features Duke Ellington and Luther Henderson's evocative Three Black Kings,  the world premiere of Sam Lipman's poignant Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra. Also on program, Leonard Bernstein's vibrant On the Town: Three Dance Episodes and George Gershwin's iconic An American in Paris