San Antonio chamber ensemble Agarita is inviting audiences to indulge more than just their ears this fall.
The nonprofit arts organization has launched Music, Food & Wine at the Agarita Loft, a three-part series that kicks off this Friday.
The series pairs live performances with curated culinary experiences from acclaimed restaurant Clementine and will take place at the Agarita Loft in the King William neighborhood.
Agarita’s executive director and violist Marisa Bushman said the series feels like a natural extension of the ensemble’s long-standing commitment to artistic collaboration.
“We’ve always been open to this kind of cross-pollination in our city,” Bushman said, recalling the organization’s past partnerships with local chefs and a pandemic-era project that paired a Clementine takeout menu with a custom music video experience.
The series’ inaugural event this Friday, “American Desserts & Champagne,” will feature a diverse range of classic American music paired with desserts created by Clementine chef and co-owner Elise Russ, accompanied by Champagne service.
The second event, “Agarita Celebrates America 250,” will take place Nov. 18 and will feature works by U.S. composers in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Clementine chef and co-owner John Russ will prepare the accompanying food.
“He’s listening to the pieces that we’re actually playing and curating the specific little bites to go with each of the pieces,” Bushman said. “He’s a creative mind that’s really playing off the energy of the music.”
The series will conclude on Dec. 18 with “A Taste of Florence,” which will pair Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” with Italian cheeses selected by Russ and wines from Alexander Vineyards.
Bushman said the setting in the Southtown neighborhood plays a major role in the audience experience. Located above Belgian bistro La Frite, the Agarita Loft serves as the ensemble’s rehearsal space and performance venue all at once.
“It has this really unique feeling,” Bushman said. “Part gallery, part social club, part concert hall.”
Tickets for the events are $75 and available online. While Agarita is best known for presenting free performances throughout San Antonio, Bushman said the concept is an opportunity to offer audiences a new experience.
“This gives them a true date night,” she said. “They’re getting their meal, their music and their entire evening with Agarita.”
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