Let’s be honest—most musicians love a great glass of wine after a concert. It’s almost inevitable. For the organizers and guests, an evening at a concert is a night out, and the opportunity to mingle with the musicians makes the experience even more special. 

However, much like chefs, musicians must be mindful of alcohol consumption after a performance. With travel often required—whether returning home or heading to a hotel—it can be tricky to spend too much time socializing over drinks. Even in the 19th century, Franz Liszt frequently wrote about the challenges of long concert tours, endless speeches, balls, and banquets. His travels often took place overnight, and given the roads and carriages of the time, we can easily imagine the discomfort he endured. According to Alan Walker’s biography Liszt, the composer:

‘had taken opium, quinine, and a variety of homeopathic medicines, and had even dieted in an attempt to “keep the machine running,” as he put it. Thanks to the strains of public life he was also heavily dependent on tobacco and alcohol; cigars and cognac were constant companions, and he occasionally indulged in them to excess.’ 

Many composers have had curious relationships with alcohol, leading to anecdotes that range from amusing to tragic. One of the most entertaining involves Liszt himself. During his Weimar years in the mid-1850s, he had the brilliant idea to mix Bavarian beer with Russian schnapps. Only he and two other colleagues dared to try this so-called elixir, and the consequences, according to Edmund Singer, who was present that evening, were “frightful.” The three men had to be escorted back to their apartments “with great difficulty.” One of them, Stör, was so affected by Liszt’s concoction that he had to sleep on the steps of his house, unable to make it up to his own apartment. Needless to say, all three suffered dearly the next day. 

On the more tragic side, the composer Henry Purcell met an unfortunate fate due to alcohol. Frustrated with his drinking, his wife reportedly locked him out of their home one night. Left outside in the cold, he developed hypothermia and ultimately passed away. 

 A Refined Experience: CuisineMusique

Alcohol has long been intertwined with the world of artists, and while moderation is key, I personally can’t think of a better setting than seeing an audience enjoy a beautifully paired glass of wine while immersed in a concert. At CuisineMusique, we curate a multi-sensory experience where fine dining and world-class music come together, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

Pairing exquisite dishes with carefully selected wines enhances the emotional depth of the music, allowing guests to experience a symphony of taste and sound. This unique approach has garnered wonderful feedback, with guests not only delighted by each individual dish or drink but also deeply moved by the synergy of music and gastronomy. Many leave inspired, immediately booking another evening to relive the magic.

For those seeking an unparalleled cultural and culinary experience, CuisineMusique offers the perfect harmony of live music, gourmet cuisine, and fine wines, making each event an unforgettable journey for the senses. Discover more about our exclusive dining concerts and reserve your spot today!