About

Our Mission

Less Than 10 is an Austin-based new music ensemble of performers and composers, whose creative voice is formed by intersecting the boundaries between technology, concert music, songwriting, and experimental music. Community oriented, Less Than 10 is dedicated to collaboration with emerging artists and composers in the creation of impactful concerts that explore topics of equality, identity, and LGBTQ+ rights.

In addition to performing original works by its members, Less Than 10 has premiered works written for us by composers such as David John Roche, Brandon Scott Rumsey, and Phong Tran. With Greater Than 10 we have performed works by Andy Akiho, Jason Treuting, Lori Laitman, Jason Thorpe Buchanan, and George Lewis.

We acknowledge that Less Than 10 is operated in the traditional lands of the Jumanos, Lipan Apache, and Tonkawa peoples.

How We Came About

In early March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Austin, TX. Its effect on the performing arts world was devastating and it continues to prevent artists from performing live concerts. Composer and performer James Tabata saw a need to fill the sudden void of live performance with virtual concerts. He reached out to friends and collaborators and put together the beginnings of a collective. Through trial and error, Less Than <10 was born and streamed its first concert on March 24th, 2020. A large part of James’ vision was to use these concerts to support organizations in Austin that were supplying emergency funding to artists in need.