Keeping score: Classical Revolution at thestudio@620 tonight

Tonight’s concert performance from the area musicians known collectively as Classical Revolution will be slightly less low-key than usual.

The group’s monthly appearances in SubCentral, the downstairs listening room at the Iberian Rooster restaurant, have become a tradition – and a ritual for classical music aficionados – and they usually include a casual “open mic” element, as a compliment to the planned and rehearsed music on the rest of program. It’s always fun and full of surprises.

Tonight, it’s a concert only. And it’s a celebration of the news that Classical Revolution is now a 501©3 nonprofit (a celebratory reception follows the 80-minute performance).

The event takes place at thestudio@620. “We’re definitely sticking with Iberian Rooster for our monthly show,” says founder Cori Lint. “We consider that our home, and we love them. It works really well for us.”

The mission of Classical Revolution, which began in San Francisco in 2006, is to bring classical music out of the concert hall, to de-stigmatize it and help people understand that everyone can enjoy the “serious stuff.” The stated goal is “To bring classical music to the people.”

Gaining nonprofit status, says Lint, who co-founded the St. Pete chapter two years ago, “means that what we do for the community is officially recognized as a public service. And we can request donations from local businesses, things like that. And it means donations are tax deductible.”

In the longer run, it means more and bigger programs, and more community outreach. Ideas include performances in places like schools and hospitals. “We’re moving really slowly, so we don’t have any big plans in the works right now,” Lint explains. “But we do want to have that in place, so if we see an opportunity that seems right for us to expand to, we’re ready for it, basically.”

Most of the regular Classical Revolution players, a revolving lineup, are professional or former professional musicians, or music students.

Lint, who recently left the Florida Orchestra after four years as Operations Manager, is a cellist.

Tonight’s concert will feature a broad range of instruments, including mandolin and harpsichord.

Lint herself will participate in a “Bach Sandwich” – a performance of a Bach Cello Concerto, with the three main parts taken by cello, viola … and clarinet.

It’ll be a concert version of the types of things the newly-minted nonprofit can take into the community at large.

“Because we’re small and kind of agile – not like a bigger, clunkier organization – we might be able to do things that other organizations may not be able to do,” explains Lint. “We just want to be open to filling whatever gaps need to be filled. We want to be ready to jump in and say ‘Hey, that’s something that resonates with us, and with our mission.’”