In a city filled with fine arts and a booming restaurant scene, it’s no surprise an organization would combine the two to create a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enter Gourmet Symphony.
The non-profit based in DC is turning the tables on the traditional concept of classical music, taking musicians off of concert hall stages and into local restaurants - with the goal of making the concert experience more approachable and less intimidating to a wider audience. Working with popular eateries and chefs in the city, the organization brings together the best of local restaurateurs, mixologists and musicians, to dish up themed culinary concerts with food and beverage pairings matching the style of music being performed. At these “Saloon Concert Series,” guests are encouraged to mingle and interact with musicians throughout the evening, something not typically seen at a traditional concert.
As part of the Saloon Concert Series, in the past year, Gourmet Symphony has worked with familiar names, including Shaw’s Tavern, Columbia Firehouse, Atlas Brew Works and Clean Slate Wine. They will partner with Beuchert’s Saloon on June 7 to host the last installment of a three-part Earth, Wind, Fire themed Series. As one would expect from a fire-focused dining experience, Executive Chef Andrew Markert’s menu will feature an array of grilled, roasted and charred meats and vegetables to be paired with smoke-infused libations from One Eight Distilling all set against the backdrop of steel pan sounds from Victor Provost.
In an effort to truly break down barriers, making classical music more accessible to all audiences, Gourmet Symphony works with a number of local organizations including So Others Might Eat, Bread for the City, and Miriam’s Kitchen. Through its “Taste Your Music” project, Gourmet Symphony organizes similar music and dining experiences for its community partners. The monthly programs feature therapeutic and educational concerts with the goal of fusing food and music while drawing attention to hunger and food access in the city.
Started in 2015 by cofounders John Coco and John Devlin (alongside Briana Murray and Camille Cintrón Devlin), the past year has been the first full season (September - June) of programming for Gourmet Symphony with events spanning from the popular Saloon Concert Series, to private functions, to concerts and partnerships with heavy hitters including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center. In addition to cultivating these programs, the organization is looking forward to expanding its slate of events for the upcoming season while continuing to work with the local community through the “Taste Your Music” project. If there’s any indication the concept is being well-received, one only needs to look at the already sold out fire-themed finale of Saloon Concert Series event scheduled for next week. Be sure to check their upcoming events schedule to snag a ticket for the next round of culinary concerts - sure to satiate both foodies and music fans alike.
Photo via Gourmet Symphony on Facebook
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