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TRYON—The Tryon Concert Association is celebrating its 70th anniversary of bringing world-class chamber music to Tryon.

The organization was founded in 1954 by several prominent members of the Tryon community. Then named the Mutual Concert Association, its mission was to provide an annual series of classical chamber music concerts. This entailed two objectives: secure a roster of notable performers and establish a secure membership base capable of providing adequate financial backing.

The first task was completed admirably. The inaugural performer was Robert McFerrin, the famed baritone who sang here before becoming the first African American to appear at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 

As the series grew, membership increased, and the newly renamed Tryon Concert Association fulfilled its mission of providing world-class chamber music to a wide audience of local residents, out-of-towners, and students. When, in 1969, TCA began to hold concerts at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, audiences were eager to attend.

In recent seasons, Tryon Concert Association has presented esteemed chamber ensembles, including the Takács Quartet, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, the Juilliard Quartet, and the Vienna Piano Trio. Stephen Hough, Yefim Bronfman, Conrad Tao, and Marc-André Hamelin have worked their magic on TFAC’s new Steinway piano. Metropolitan Opera star Ryan Speedo Green and vocal ensembles Calmus and the King’s Singers, as well as many notable instrumental soloists, have given superb performances.

In 2014, the Tryon Concert Association introduced its TGIF concerts. These are informal one-hour performances given on Friday evenings and marked by extensive interaction between musicians and audience. Recent performers include the Spartanburg Philharmonic Percussion Ensemble, classical guitarist Silviu Ciulei, pianists Beth Child and Kym Mahnke, and other local artists.

The outreach program A-OK, Arts Outreach for Kids, created in partnership with TFAC, has brought area students to special events by TCA’s performers. Canadian Brass, cellist Zlatomir Fung, bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, Bennewitz String Quartet, and pianist Arsentiy Kharitonov have recently participated in these special performances.

What began in 1954 as a shared love of music among friends has grown into an impressive chamber music program that has brought Tryon season after season of outstanding music. The organization hopes you will join it for its 70th season of world-class music.

For more information about Tryon Concert Association, the 2024-2025 season, and TCA’s history, visit tryonconcerts.org.

 

Submitted by Anne De Sutter