Pacifica Quartet to Perform Free Concert at Saint Meinrad Feb. 20

Saint Meinrad Archabbey Cultural Events will present the Pacifica Quartet in a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. CT Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in the St. Bede Hall Theater on the Saint Meinrad campus at 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad. The program offers Dubois County audiences a rare, no-cost opportunity to hear an internationally recognized ensemble performing major works in an intimate venue.

The evening’s repertoire, as listed by Saint Meinrad, includes Charles Ives’ String Quartet No. 1, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s String Quartet No. 2, Op. 26, and String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American,” by composer Antonín Dvořák. Programming of this sort, pairing American modernist Ives, late-romantic Korngold, and Dvořák’s celebrated “American” quartet, should appeal to both longtime chamber-music listeners and newcomers looking for a broad sampling of the quartet literature.

Saint Meinrad emphasizes accessibility: “The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.” Parking is available nearby; organizers note that “parking is available in the Guest House and student parking lots.” For logistical questions, Saint Meinrad directs callers to Krista Hall during business hours at 812-357-6501, and advises that “for updates on the day of the performance, call 812-357-6611.”

The Pacifica Quartet brings substantial credentials to the stage. Saint Meinrad’s event material describes the ensemble this way: “With a career spanning three decades, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today.” The group, based in Bloomington, Indiana, has been quartet in residence at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music since 2012 and has held prior residencies at the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The quartet is also “known for an exuberant performance style and often-daring repertory choices,” and “has performed around the world,” according to promotional descriptions.

Local media picked up the announcement; WJTS-TV in Jasper ran a bulletin headlined “Pacifica Quartet Free Concert Coming to St. Meinrad Seminary February 20th,” reflecting regional interest in the event. For Dubois County, the concert represents both cultural enrichment and modest economic upside: events that draw visitors to Saint Meinrad can increase foot traffic to nearby restaurants and retail in Jasper and surrounding towns, and free programming lowers barriers for families, students, and seniors to sample live classical music.

The performance is part of Saint Meinrad’s ongoing Cultural Events calendar that continues through spring with campus concerts and choir appearances. Residents planning to attend should note the venue and contact details, and consider arriving early for general-admission seating. For more information during business hours call Krista Hall at 812-357-6501; for day-of updates call 812-357-6611.