Chamber music is so named because it was traditionally played by a group that could fit in a palace chamber. How do you make an art form more approachable when it was literally created for palaces? For Summermusik, the answer is to redefine the "chamber." Why can't the chamber be a museum, a tiki bar or even an aquarium?

Summermusik transforms classical music experiences by bringing their concerts to unexpected venues throughout the Cincinnati region.

Breaking the Traditional Mold
The cornerstone of Summermusik's programming is their Chamber Crawl series, which takes place in unique venues around Cincinnati — from bars and restaurants to the aquarium. The music is matched to the environment so that, for example, you might hear music from Latin America at a tiki bar.

The reaction to these performances differs dramatically from traditional concert settings. "We love getting out in the community, bringing 'classical music' to the average person," says Evan Gidley, Summermusik's executive director. "It feels a lot more like a rock concert, people feel free to applaud during the middle of it. It's really exciting to see different folks be exposed to the music."

Community Engagement and Cultural Connection
Summermusik's commitment to community extends beyond innovative venues. The organization recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, receiving recognition from the Ohio Senate for the milestone. They've also embraced important cultural initiatives, including hosting Little Amal — a 12-foot tall puppet representing a 10-year-old Syrian refugee — during her U.S. tour. Summermusik partnered with more than 40 different organizations for the event and performed music either written by immigrants and refugees or addressing related themes.

The Role of ArtsWave Support
"ArtsWave's support allows us to take risks, to show up in different venues that we might not normally be in," notes Gidley. "I think we would reach less people if we didn't have access to ArtsWave."

Beyond financial backing, ArtsWave provides valuable networking opportunities through initiatives like DEIA roundtables and marketing lunches, fostering collaborations that strengthen Cincy's arts community.

Thanks in part to the support of the community through the annual ArtsWave Campaign, Summermusik continues to bring the beauty of orchestral music to new audiences throughout Cincinnati, proving that classical music can thrive in the most unexpected places.

This blog post is based on content from "Better Know Cincy's Arts," featuring Summermusik.