A life in the performing arts, whether on stage or behind the scenes, is intense. A nightcap often serves as a punctuation point at the end of a performance for artists and executives alike, and so it is with Kristen Linfante, executive director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh, emphasizing the sharing that goes along with the relaxing. “There’s a lot to discuss with the musicians after a concert,” she says.
Where does that happen? Linfante usually chooses a Downtown restaurant or bar for her ex post concerto cool-down. “It’s truly a thrill that downtown Pittsburgh has so many great options where we can connect with the visiting artists we present at The Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University. The proximity of all the excellent restaurants in Market Square, bars like the Rebel Room inside the historic Industrialist Hotel on the same block as the theatre, and, my personal favorite, Millie’s Ice Cream on Forbes Avenue, make it so easy to pair a Chamber Music Pittsburgh concert with food, drinks, and dessert. We are looking forward to exploring and supporting all of the downtown restaurants this season and beyond.”
Where will she go next? Kristen knows immediately: “We love Eddie V’s because it’s a perfect place for a special occasion. We plan to host Imani Winds for dinner there after the concert on December 5, 2022 to celebrate the closing of their year-long, inaugural artist residency with Chamber Music Pittsburgh. The stylish and sophisticated atmosphere of live jazz on Monday’s fading into our late-night dinner with my favorite dish, the warm goat cheese salad with roasted wild mushrooms, arugula, and cider vinaigrette, make for the perfect way to come together with the artists after a performance.”
Deeper into the season, after the winter holidays, she will likely be found at Pizzaiolo Primo. “We think theirs is some of the best pizza and homemade pasta in Pittsburgh. Since our spring concerts are full of internationally renowned string quartets and the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, we plan to sample Pittsburgh pizza with our out-of-town guests.”
at The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Point Park University
Imani Winds
December 5, 2022, 7:30PM
Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds, praised for their “hot rapport” and “conviction” (Gramophone), close their one-year residency with Chamber Music Pittsburgh with Black and Brown, a culminating performance dedicated to works by composers of color.
Isidore Quartet
February 13, 2023, 7:30PM
Winners of this year’s Banff International Competition, the Isidore String Quartet cultivates joyful, accessible, and intimate experiences that create community through in-depth relationships and explore the power of the collective to uplift the individual.
Takács Quartet
March 20, 2023, 7:30PM
The world-renowned Takács Quartet, “one of the world’s greatest string quartets,” (The New York Times) travels to Pittsburgh following a dizzying tour of Europe’s greatest concert halls. The group is celebrated for their innovative approach to chamber music and mastery of the genre.
Pacifica Quartet with Anthony McGill
April 24, 2023, 7:30PM
“Brilliant young” Anthony McGill (The New York Times), principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, joins the Grammy Award–winning Pacifica Quartet to present a refreshing mix of familiar and unexpected chamber works.