807 Locust St., Owner: Alex Inneco, 573-268-5989

Alex Inneco, the music director for the Missouri United Methodist Church, hopes the cultural center he’s opened downtown called Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) will bring together artists and develop the local cultural community.

Inneco, a Brazilian native, completed his master’s degree in conducting at the University of Missouri. After running a similar cultural center in Brazil for five years, he decided Columbia was ready for a similar operation.

“Five or six years ago, I started the concert series at the church, and we outgrew the parlor space,” he said. “All concerts were sold out, so I decided it was time to branch out.”

Inneco is teaching music and opera history classes in the tiny three-room building. There are voice, string and piano teachers available as well. Students can sign up on Carpe Diem’s Web site, www.carpediemcolumbia.com, and walk-ins are welcome. The cost for a class is $59 a month.

“I want to make sure that people understand that classical music is as fun as any other kind of entertainment,” Inneco said. “You just need to understand a little about it, so I’m trying to bridge that gap. I want people see this space as a mini concert hall, a very intimate space where people can get close to the artist.”

Inneco will exhibit art and also will host an evening Sunday Soiree with live music.