Arts briefs: Violinist Irv Eisenberg named teacher of the year

Irwin (Irv) Eisenberg, violinist and teacher, has been named Private Studio Teacher of the Year for the state of Washington, by the Washington chapter of the American String Teachers and National Symphony Orchestra Associations.  

Best known as a founding member of the Philadelphia String Quartet, an ensemble with a long and influential Seattle residency (beginning in 1966), Eisenberg also was a member of the St. Louis Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Seattle award ceremony will take place at the Anti-Contest, an annual concert gala presented in the form of a mock contest. Its director, Karen Iglitzin, encourages select high-school musicians to create their own musical concepts, complete with costumes and props. This year, 14 ensembles from Washington and Oregon will participate. The Anti-Contest is set for 7:30 p.m. March 19, in Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave. N.E., in Seattle; admission is by donation ($12 adults, $6 students is suggested) and a reception with the musicians follows the performance. For information: 206-366-1211