*Note: New 2025 smackdown venue
Golden Hornet's String Quartet Smackdown is a bracketed, NCAA basketball-style tournament competition which brings original four-minute string quartet compositions head-to-head in front of a live, participatory audience. It’s like NCAA March Madness for the ears!
A diverse panel of judges selects 16 compositions to be performed live at the String Quartet Smackdown, which takes place on Feb. 22nd at the Baker Center in Austin, TX. The audience uses their cell phones or a mobile app to vote, and their responses appear live on screen. The winner of each bracket moves on in the tournament. In a riotous – and usually very close – finish, the audience determines the String Quartet Smackdown champion!
💥NEW VENUE: Baker Center
Want to help support Golden Hornet, be close to the action in the best seats, and get a souvenir poster printed right there at the Baker School? Then buy a Patron ticket and we'll be grateful. All patron ticket holders will receive priority seating in the front rows for String Quartet Smackdown IX