WHAT IS TERTULIA?
Tertulia presents world-class performances in eating, drinking and cultural spaces in New York, San Francisco and beyond.
Tertulia’s dinner-concerts typically offer two performances separated by extended dining intermissions. During performances restaurant service is suspended and conversation stops. Tertulia’s intimate solo performance series pair a cocktail hour with the opportunity to experience extraordinary artistry in unparalleled proximity.
Tertulia’s international weekend festivals of music and food are created to offer the chance to experience a city through the lens of outstanding cuisine, culture and music-making.
Tertulia is designed to attract new and experienced audiences alike, or anyone who loves incredible food, drinks, art, travel and music. The format and program is designed to enhance the social and culinary experience, but at Tertulia, the music is paramount.
Our Mission
Tertulia places chamber music back where it belongs - in a festive, inviting atmosphere. Our mission is to reveal the communicative, intimate and inspiring realm of chamber music. From audiences who are curious to discover a new passion, to those who seek a different perspective on the art form they already love, or to those who are simply looking for an evening in the company of close friends, delicious food and great music - Tertulia has it all. At Tertulia, we believe incredible food and world-class chamber music, together, are the perfect recipe for engaging today's classical music audiences.
The Team
Julia Villagra | Founder
James Austin Smith | Artistic and Executive Director
Bridget Piccirilli | Artistic and Administrative Associate
The Board
TERTULIA BOARD
Julia Villagra, President
After moving to New York City in 2007, Julia Villagra immersed herself in the city's dining scene; it was her insatiable appetite for food, wine, and concerts that served as inspiration for bringing chamber music into restaurants. In 2011 she founded Tertulia Chamber Music as a labor of love. After spending over a decade as the Head of People Operations at Hudson River Trading in Manhattan, in 2024 Julia and her family moved to San Francisco where she now serves as Chief People Officer for OpenAI.
Kim Martin, Vice President
Kim studied viola and worked at Lincoln Center before beginning a career in People Operations at Hudson River Trading. She joined "Team Terts" as a part-time assistant in 2015, became a member of the Tertulia Board in 2019, and was elected Vice President in 2024. Now Kim lives in upstate New York, but loves traveling for Tertulia whether that's for a performance in Manhattan or an international festival.
Marlo McGriff, Treasurer
Saira Lal
An entrepreneur at heart, Saira runs her family’s award-winning boutique winery, Stokelan Estate Winery. She oversees the work of The Lal Foundation which supports philanthropic initiatives in education, youth development, and cultural preservation. She also serves on the global board of the American India Foundation. Less known but equally important is her love of music - an ametuar violinist and enthusiastic soprano; she's always ready to hit the right note!
Kerry O’Brien
Kerry O'Brien lives in New York City and has been a devoted member of Tertulia's audience (and ardent appreciator of local restaurants) from the earliest performances through international expansion in Reykjavik, Berlin, Istanbul, and beyond. Kerry brings 20 years of communications and construction experience across public and private sector roles. She also serves as the volunteer coordinator for The Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, a community-based advocacy organization dedicated to the development and stewardship of North Brooklyn's waterfront park.
Faith McCoy Scriven
Faith McCoy Scriven is a pianist, DJ, entrepreneur, and business strategist with a passion for innovation and artistry. A classically trained musician, she debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at 14 and later performed a solo recital at Carnegie Hall. Her career spans early leadership at Stripe, ownership of True Glory Brands, and founding CocoLash, a beauty brand celebrating inclusivity. As DJ L8DY8, she blends Afro-House and electronic music, bridging classical training with contemporary expression. Faith lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tyler Scriven, and their son, Patterson.
James Austin Smith
TERTULIA ADVISORY BOARD
Matthew Armsby
Manuel Bagorro
Adriaan Fuchs
Livia Sohn
Brian Stromquist
Tertulia
Archives
Explore Tertulia’s concert, artist, & repertoire history