Stephen Harrison & Susan Freier
Artistic Directors
July 2025
Dear Friends,
As Artistic Directors of the Ives Collective, we are writing with gratitude—and with exciting news about a new season that builds on our traditions while opening new doors to the community.
We’re introducing a new program aimed at increasing access to live chamber music: beginning this season, a section of seats at our concert venues will be available on a “Pay What You Can” basis at the door. This model—successfully used by many arts organizations nationwide—invites newcomers, students, families, and others for whom cost may be a barrier to enjoy exceptional performances in an affordable, welcoming way.
We will continue to offer advance and at the dorr ticket sales for all our concerts and Salons. As a valued member of our musical family, subscribers and single-ticket buyers will enjoy priority seating in the front of the hall. This remains your best way to secure prime seats and support the artistry you know and love. Purchase tickets here on the website and have them waiting for you at the will call desk!
This strategic change reflects our belief that great music should be shared as widely as possible. By combining priority seating for loyal patrons with Pay What You Can access for the wider community, we aim to create a concert experience that is both inclusive and sustainable.
The Pay What You Can option, currently advertised on Eventbrite, requests that patrons pre-register at
https://www.eventbrite.com/. This will allow us to prepare our venues and welcome everyone with care.
We hope this model encourages longtime supporters to keep returning—and perhaps even to bring friends and family who are new to classical music. We also warmly welcome those exploring our concerts for the first time.
As always, your support is crucial. Donations, Salon subscriptions, and ticket purchases remain vital to our mission. They ensure fair compensation for our musicians, cover the cost of renting venus and production costs and allow us to continue presenting music of depth, passion, and beauty.
Please note that our Salon Series will continue as ticketed events. These intimate, in-depth concerts—hosted by musicologist Dr. Derek Katz—offer a unique opportunity to explore the repertoire in a more personal setting and remain an essential part of our season. We offer a discount when you buy the three Salon series.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to welcoming you—and many new faces—into the concert hall this season.
With warmest appreciation,
Stephen Harrison & Susan Freier
Artistic Directors, Ives Collective
Photo of Stephen Harrison and Susan Freier courtesy of Anne Peterson Barry.