Chamber Music Pittsburgh has announced the fall portion of its newest concert series, Pittsburgh Performs. This series, created by Executive Director Kristen Linfante, seeks to showcase the multi- faceted musical talents that the Steel City has to offer by presenting affordable pay-what-you-wish performances featuring local musicians in non-traditional venues around town.
“There is a multitude of talented musicians living in Pittsburgh,” says Linfante. “This series not only aims to celebrate their talents, but also to bring the music into the communities where people live, work and socialize.” Pittsburgh Performs will lift the music out of the concert hall and make it accessible to more people by meeting them where they already are – in restaurants, bars, community spaces, galleries, and beyond.
In the spirit of making music accessible within the communities, Chamber Music Pittsburgh will not be charging for tickets to the Pittsburgh Performs concerts. Instead, there will be a suggested donation amount that patrons may choose to pay. “The ‘pay-what-you-wish’ model really enhances the community aspect of Pittsburgh Performs,” says Linfante, “because it breaks down that elite, ivory tower mentality that people have come to associate with classical music. Actually, Bach played his music in bars and coffeehouses. That’s how people experienced music. Over time classical music became revered as something so sacred that some people felt it must be protected by putting it in a museum-like setting of the traditional concert hall. But with Pittsburgh Performs, we are looking to reclaim the fundamental truth that everyone is welcome to listen to great music – performed by great local musicians, in great local spots.”
Pittsburgh Performs opens on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 6:30 PM, featuring DJ duo Tracksploitation in collaboration with a classical string quartet at BOOM Concepts on Penn Avenue, Garfield. Tracksploitation’s “galvanizing energy” has “fostered … an artistic community” (Pittsburgh City Paper), and will feel right at home at BOOM Concepts, which is a self-described creative hub dedicated to the expansion of activity for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Refreshments will be served for free, though patrons are encouraged to donate what they can.
Pittsburgh Performs’ second concert is on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at 5:00 PM, featuring the Fauré String Trio at Franktuary on Butler Street, Lawrenceville. The Fauré String Trio has had the honor of premiering many new compositions since its inception in 2003, but this concert may be the first time they have the honor of being accompanied by a custom menu of gourmet hot dogs, grub and cocktails available for purchase and designed specially for the event by the folks at Franktuary.
Chamber Music Pittsburgh announces new series: Pittsburgh Performs
Pittsburgh Performs will return for two more concerts in April and May 2016, to be announced.
About Chamber Music Pittsburgh
Chamber Music Pittsburgh (previously the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society) presents world-class chamber music ensembles and soloists, promising emerging artists, and innovative programs; and also fosters an appreciation for chamber music in the Pittsburgh community by offering educational programs and experiences. In carrying out its mandate, CMP has been guided consistently by two basic principles: quality and variety. Each year’s program is a carefully balanced menu of acclaimed chamber ensembles along with the most brilliant emerging groups.
CMP is supported by grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments. The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.
CMP receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
