named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Dinner-Concerts
Multi-course dining events featuring world-class chamber music performances, with restaurant service suspended during musical sets to ensure focused listening.
International Weekend Festivals
Curated multi-day experiences in cities like Montréal, Reykjavik, and Berlin that combine chamber music performances with local cuisine, culture, and hospitality.
Up Close Solo Series
Intimate solo performances held at Bar Calico in New York City, pairing cocktails and light snacks with close-proximity artistry by leading musicians.
activities · 1 group
What they do
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 3 activities
- Hosts chamber music performances integrated with fine dining and cultural experiencesOrganizes ticketed chamber music events that combine live performances with fine dining, drinks, and curated cultural programming in intimate venues across New York City, San Francisco, and other locations. Events are typically small-scale, with some limited to 32 guests, and feature professional musicians performing works by classical and contemporary composers.
- Hosts solo chamber music performance series in New York CityProduces the “Up Close” series at Bar Calico in New York City, featuring intimate solo performances by accomplished musicians, combining cocktail hours with close-proximity musical experiences. The series includes performances by artists such as clarinetist Carol McGonnell and has been presented under the same title across multiple events.
- Organizes international chamber music festivals integrating music, food, and local cultureProduces multi-day festivals in cities such as Montréal, Reykjavik, Berlin, and Istanbul, featuring curated chamber music performances in restaurants, cafes, and art spaces, combined with food experiences and local cultural engagement. The Montréal festival is scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, and includes access to multiple events with beverages included in ticket packages.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$238K
Contributions & grants$146K61%
Program service revenue$93K39%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$231K
Program expenses96%
Admin / overhead1%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$48K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$112K
Cash$112K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$112K
Liquid reserves5.8 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +13.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES AUSTIN SMITH | ARTISTIC & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 5 | $48K |
board members · 5
- FAITH MCCOY SCRIVEN — BOARD MEMBER
- JULIA VILLAGRA — PRESIDENT
- KIM MARTIN — VICE-PRESIDENT
- MARLO MCGRIFF — TREASURER
- SAIRA KATHPALIA LAL — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 24
Who they work with
- Bar Calico Partner — Venue partner hosting Tertulia's "Up Close" series of solo performances.
- Bar Calico Partner — Venue partner hosting Tertulia's Up Close performance series.
- Bar Calico Partner — Venue partner hosting Tertulia's Up Close solo performance series.
- Bar Sprezzatura Partner — Venue partner hosting Tertulia's chamber music performance
- Bar Sprezzatura Partner — Venue partner hosting Tertulia's chamber music performance.
- Bridget Piccirilli Partner — Director of Artistic Administration and Operations, managing artistic and operational functions.
- Casey Boyer Partner — Digital Content Manager, responsible for digital content strategy and production.
- Dandelion Chocolate Partner — Collaborates on events combining chocolate tastings with live music performances.
- Faith McCoy Scriven Partner — Board member, pianist, and entrepreneur contributing artistic and strategic insight.
- Georgia Room Partner — Venue and collaborator for chamber music and dining events.
- Hill Art Foundation Partner — Co-hosted an event featuring Robert Bergman’s portraits and chamber music
- Hôtel Le Germain Partner — Provides accommodations for Tertulia’s Montréal festival guests as part of official hotel packages.
- James Austin Smith Partner — Artistic and Executive Director, responsible for curating and hosting musical events and performances.
- Julia Villagra Partner — Founder and President of Tertulia, instrumental in founding the organization and shaping its mission.
- Kerry O’Brien Partner — Board member and long-time audience member with communications expertise.
- Kim Martin Partner — Board Vice President with prior role as assistant, contributing to organizational development.
- Kronos Quartet Partner — Collaborates with Kronos Quartet violist Ayane Kozasa for an intimate performance
- La Connessa Partner — Collaborated with La Connessa to host a chamber music and dining event in its private dining room.
- Locanda Verde Partner — Venue and culinary partner for a chamber music performance event.
- Marlo McGriff Partner — Treasurer of the Board, providing financial oversight.
- SF-Marin Food Bank Partner — Beneficiary of proceeds from the joint Tertulia and Dandelion Chocolate event.
- Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir Partner — Artistic Director NYC, involved in artistic leadership for New York-based programs.
- Third Coast Percussion Partner — Collaborates with Tertulia SF to present a chamber music performance.
- Viano Quartet Partner — Featured the Viano Quartet in a chamber music performance.
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Immersive Cultural Experience Model 21 orgsmethodology: cultural_immersionBy integrating chamber music performances with curated dining, social gatherings, and complementary cultural elements (e.g., chocolate tastings, wine pairings), the organization creates accessible and engaging experiences because multisensory and social contexts lower barriers to classical music and enhance emotional resonance.shared approach: Intimate Experience Model →
- Interdisciplinary Co-Curation 21 orgsmethodology: interdisciplinary_art_curationBy co-curating chamber music and visual art through collaboration between a musician and an art curator, the organization creates deeper cultural engagement because interdisciplinary programming fosters novel connections and broadens audience appeal.shared approach: Intimate Experience Model →