Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Sutton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a violinist and have been a member of the LA Opera Orchestra since the company began in the early 1980’s. Over the years as the company grew, I had the idea of showcasing my colleagues in the opera pit on stage in chamber music ensembles. It seemed to me a worthwhile project to reveal and connect this invisible group of extraordinary local artists to audiences – acquainting them with one another in more intimate settings. So, in 2013, I created Pittance Chamber Music – an organization devoted to presenting small ensembles from the opera pit – hence the name “Pittance”.
Pittance produces 3 to 4 concerts per season, which take place at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and also in downtown Los Angeles in Zipper Hall at the Colburn School. Our programs present a wide range of repertoire featuring a variety of instrumentalists and vocalists. Ticket prices range from $10 to $35 per ticket, with special discounts for seniors and students. We are proud to have sold-out houses and accolades in the press, and we are thankful for public support from organizations such as the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We are successful, but of course, there are challenges. For one thing, I am running it all pretty much myself, with the help of a handful of volunteers and contract workers. I really didn’t anticipate the number of man-hours (or should I say woman hours?) it takes to produce one concert that is under two hours long. It is an extremely inefficient process! I wear all the hats – I create the programs, raise the money, market the concerts – etc. It’s a huge investment of time. Another challenges are finding appropriate venues for what we do while trying to keep our ticket prices affordable. In order to keep the experience intimate, we perform in smaller venues – which means fewer seats and limited ticket sales. Also, the venues themselves have to have a concert-quality piano, must have parking and be accessible.
Pittance Chamber Music – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pittance Chamber Music produces classical chamber music concerts featuring musicians who perform in the pit at the Los Angeles Opera. We are most proud of our extraordinary artists, who relish the opportunity to perform on stage where they can more personally connect with audiences. Our concerts attract sold-out houses and have received rave reviews in the press. We are committed to keeping ticket prices affordable, which is made possible by support from donors and organizations such as the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Pittance Chamber Music is honored to be a member of chamber music. LA, a consortium of local chamber music presenters who meet on a regular basis with the goal of developing and maintaining audiences for the art form of chamber music.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I guess the basic criteria are 1) are we serving the public well and 2) are we able to sustain the organization. The mark of success for the public is fairly simple – if the programs are well-attended then chances are the public is well-served. Institutional success is measured to a great extent by the fact that we have received public grants, which are awarded only after an arduous application process that pretty thoroughly vets each applicant.
Pricing:
- – Tickets are $35
- – Seniors $20
- – Student Rush $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pittancechambermusic.org/
- Phone: (626)485-5264
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pittancechambermusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PittanceCM
Image Credit:
Image 1 & 2: Justin Fields Photography
Images 3 – 7: Richard Greene
Images 8 & 9 (pit photos): Brenden-John
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