By Kathleen Suss, Executive Director, Concordia Conservatory

Sept. 23, 2026: Concordia Conservatory will launch its 23rd Hoch Chamber Music Series on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with the Four Rational People Opening Night Gala at The Picture House in Bronxville, celebrating the extraordinary legacy of the Emerson String Quartet.

The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a special screening of Four Rational People, director Tristan Cook’s acclaimed documentary chronicling the Emerson String Quartet during its farewell season after nearly five decades together. Following the screening, all four members of the Quartet—Eugene Drucker, Philip Setzer, Lawrence Dutton, and Paul Watkins—will participate in a live conversation and audience Q&A moderated by Vicky Nguyen, NBC News anchor and correspondent.

Through performances, candid conversations, and behind-the-scenes moments, Four Rational People offers an intimate portrait of the artistry, friendship, trust, and collaboration that sustained one of the world’s most celebrated chamber ensembles. The film’s title draws from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s description of a string quartet as “a conversation between four rational people.”

Founded in 1976, the Emerson String Quartet achieved international acclaim through performances in the world’s leading concert halls and more than 30 recordings. Its honors include nine GRAMMY® Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, three Gramophone Awards, Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year, and induction into the Classical Music Hall of Fame.

The Quartet shares a longstanding relationship with Concordia Conservatory. Emerson violist Lawrence Dutton has served as Artistic Director of the Hoch Chamber Music Series for more than two decades, helping shape the Series through his artistic vision and relationships with many of the world’s leading musicians.

“We are thrilled to open our 23rd Hoch Chamber Music Series by welcoming the Emerson String Quartet back to Bronxville,” said Kathleen Suss, Executive Director of Concordia Conservatory. “Their artistry, friendship, and pursuit of excellence embody the spirit of the Hoch Series. This evening celebrates not only their remarkable legacy, but the enduring importance of collaboration, mentorship, and passing the art of chamber music from one generation to the next.”

The Opening Night Gala also benefits The Campaign for Concordia Conservatory, a transformational initiative supporting the Conservatory’s future permanent home and the continued growth of its music education, performance, and community programs.

Opening Night Gala admission is $75 for adults and $37.50 for seniors and children and includes the cocktail reception, film screening, and live conversation. Four Rational People Leadership Circle membership is $500 per person and includes the complete Gala, preferred seating, and an exclusive dinner with members of the Emerson String Quartet.

Tickets and Leadership Circle memberships are available through Concordia Conservatory’s website or by calling 914-395-4507.

About Concordia Conservatory and the Hoch Chamber Music Series
Concordia Conservatory inspires, instructs, and enriches lives through excellence in music education and performance. Serving more than 1,200 students annually throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties, the Conservatory provides music instruction, performances, scholarships, music and art therapy, and community outreach for people of all ages and abilities.

Now entering its 23rd season, the Hoch Chamber Music Series brings internationally acclaimed musicians to Westchester County for chamber music performances of the highest artistic caliber. Founded through the vision and generosity of Jim Hoch and led artistically by Lawrence Dutton, the Series has become an important part of the region’s cultural life.

Concordia Conservatory’s mission is to inspire, instruct, and enrich lives through music by offering excellence in education and performance.