Quintessence to kick off season with 'To Build the Sky'

Quintessence, the beer choir and classical music singers has announced a new season of original, holiday and pop concerts at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

The Sunday, Oct. 20, show features “To Build the Sky: The Music of Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy Takach.” Two years in the making, the concert is the culmination of a week-long residency.

Quintessence to kick off season with 'To Build the Sky'

“Quintessence has sung a lot of their music,” said Matthew Greer, artistic director. “They’re both excellent at putting in text. They set in contemporary poets. They’re both singers as well.”

The pair will also work with high school students as well as University of New Mexico composition students, Greer said.

On Nov. 30 the group will perform “Messiah Sing.”

Dec. 8 will bring in the holidays with “Children of Light,” with the children of Sunset Mesa Choir joining Quintessence.

“It’s a traditional winter Christmas program with holiday choirs,” Greer said.

On March 9, 2025, “Angels and Challengers” will feature musical settings of female poets, including music by Alice Parker, Libby Larsen and Lori Laitman, with poetry by May Sarton, Willa Cather, Mary Oliver and Emily Dickinson.

“Most if not all the compositions will be by females,” Greer said.

On May 18, “Pop Tarts” will feature choral arrangements of Top 40 hits from the last several decades.

“If you want, you can find choral arrangements of Guns ‘N’ Roses and AC/DC,” Greer said.

“We want to make them feel things they felt in college.”

Founded in 1986, Quintessence is a choral organization providing opportunities for singers of all experience and skill levels to sing together.