How did a single “impromptu dinner and concert” morph into one of Key West’s most exciting concert series?
Was it timing? Talent? Luck? Or perhaps a combination of all three? Whatever it was; the stars aligned one magical night on January 6, 1972. It all started when the renowned concert pianist Alicia de Larrocha came to Key West to visit her good friend and local music lover, Richard Lischer. At the time, Lischer owned the former Buttery Restaurant, a popular local’s hang just off Duval Street.
As a special “thank you” for Richard’s hospitality, Alicia de Larrocha offered to stage a concert at the restaurant. This special impromptu dinner and concert attracted over fifty patrons and was a huge success. Among the attendees was a fellow named Raymond Weiss. A part-time Key Wester, Weiss also happened to own a successful concert-artist management agency in New York City. After seeing Alicia de Larrocha’s performance at The Buttery, Weiss’s excitement was palatable. He pitched Richard on producing more concerts together — not only when Richard’s musical friends were visiting, but also whenever one of Weiss’s renowned clients was scheduled to play in South Florida.
Greg Zelek, Jaimie Olwell, Thomas Mesa
So what began as an informal partnership between two local music lovers slowly blossomed into a successful series of “Impromptu Concerts,” which were regularly staged at multiple venues around the island. Over the years, the show’s popularity continued to grow. So much so that by 1994, the producers were desperate to find a larger venue, as well as a permanent home.
The stars aligned once again for the hometown concert series when Key West’s historic St Paul’s Episcopal church graciously opened its doors. Today, the church remains a welcome host for the now-renowned Impromptu Concerts.
The annual six-series concerts are no longer “impromptu” and booking world-class performers can often take up to a whopping two years. Over the last five decades, the concerts have showcased a roster of artists that includes internationally acclaimed performers along with many up-and-coming virtuosos.
This year’s concert season is off to an impressive start and is once again marqueeing an exciting line-up of well-known classical chamber music groups.
Here’s what’s in store for Spring:
• Sunday, February 23: Avery Gagliano – This prolific twenty-two-year-old is an internationally acclaimed pianist as well as Impromptu’s 2025 “Rising Star.”
• Sunday, March 9: Poulenc Trio – This pioneering oboe, bassoon, and piano ensemble is one of the country’s most active and sought-after touring piano-wind ensembles.
• Sunday, March 23: Duo Beaux Arts – World-renowned husband and wife concert pianists Catherine Lan & Tao Lin are renowned for their adrenalized performances.
Showtimes are at 4 pm in St Paul’s Church, 401 Duval St. Tickets are just $20 per person at keystix.com. Info: keywestimpromptu.org.
Hope to see you there!
