Bach & Beer come together for classical pairing at Tupps, February 4

Image credit: Music in Familiar Spaces (musicinfamiliarspaces.com).

Bringing together what some might consider to be two of the finer things in life, internationally-recognized cellist Steuart Pincombe will partner with Tupps Brewery for Bach & Beer, a unique pairing event to be held at the brewery's location in McKinney on Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m.

Named as one of the "Top Ten classical music events of 2014" by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Bach & Beer is concert series being put on in association with the Music in Familiar Spaces project. This initiative seeks to make classical music accessible to a wide-ranging audience by holding performances in "familiar, comfortable and nontraditional spaces." Different events, all part of a yearlong tour, are scheduled at homes, churches, cafés, and local breweries as a way to allow listeners to experience classical music in new and engaging ways.

According to a press release, each of three musical pieces performed by Pincombe during Bach & Beer will be paired with one of the host brewery's beers. "Audience members will discover the connections between the art of brewing and the art of playing the music of Bach while sipping on their favorite brews from Tupps. Just as many brewers follow a recipe that was used hundreds of years ago, Steuart's approach to playing Bach also looks back on old 'recipes' and methods of playing. The program of Bach's Cello Suites will be interlaced with short explanations of Steuart's historical, interpretive approach along with comments on the historical brewing method of each beer."

The concert at Tupps is presented in collaboration with Music & Arts at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. St. Peter's will host Pincombe and his wife Michele in the sanctuary of the McKinney church for a performance of sacred early American music on Saturday, February 6 at 8 p.m.

Regarding the brewery event, those attending will be asked to name-their-own-ticket price, paying what they can afford and what they deem the concert is worth. Beer will be sold separately.