Shows

In 2011 quintessence started the concert series "quintessence & friends" in cooperation with the Wilhelm13: once a year we will invite an external a cappella ensemble for a shared concert. With this concert series we would like to establish a platform to show that you can find excellent vocal music besides the "big ones" of the German a cappella scene.

To mark the 15th anniversary of the concert series, TAKE FOUR will once again be performing in 2026: The four have been performing on stage for 40 (!) years and have already performed at Wilhelm13 for the 5th and 10th anniversaries—this tradition must, of course, continue! Top-notch a cappella music, served up with tongue-in-cheek entertainment—anyone who hears TAKE FOUR is in for a real treat... all in perfect harmony, with vocal elegance and witty banter.

Over 25 years of quintessence—more than 200 concerts: a reason to celebrate! That’s exactly what the five singers of the a cappella quintet from Oldenburg thought. With their new program “essentials,” quintessence is now bringing the “quintessential” songs to the stage, following up on the “best” ones. In addition to numerous new pieces, the ensemble has packed its all-time favorite songs from long concert history.

In a varying selection of songs, the five present an evening spanning all eras and styles. Always on the hunt for extraordinary arrangements, they invite their audience to marvel, dream, and—time and again—laugh. Whether jazz, pop, chanson, Schlager, or classical—no genre is safe from the quintet!

In addition to musical precision, the program thrives above all on the special atmosphere in the hall: quintessence captivates with a wonderfully relaxed and charming stage presence. With “essentials,” the ensemble once again demonstrates the “vocal virtuosity with passion” that has distinguished it for many years.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of quintessence, the "Best of Program" celebrated its premiere in 2019. A wild ride through the previous shows with favourite songs of the ensemble and "indispensable" evergreens from the three shows awaits the audience.

Classics such as "You've got a friend" are given new life, "I was brought to my senses" by Sting from "3D" is included, but the legendary excursions into classical music are not to be missed either! The ensemble's typically diverse repertoire also ensures that all old and new fans of quintessence get their money's worth in the "best-of" program - and of course there is no shortage of entertainment, not least because one or two brand-new pieces always find their way into the program!

The third show will hit the satge in the summer of 2017. quintessence has remained to the concept of songs from different genres in extraordinary arrangements: from classical, to jazz or pop, from Gioachino Rossini to Duke Ellington or Jamie Cullum - nothing is safe from beeing adapted by quintessence!

The program "3D" combines songs beyond the "often-heard" but still contains the effect of the recognition of familiar songs in an amazing arrangements. Thus a firework of vocal music awaits the audience with plenty of opportunity for smirking, melting and wondering - "A cappella in perfection" (Nordwestzeitung)

Just in time for the 10th anniversary quintessence celebrated the premiere of the new show "five". Again the ensemble has selected exceptional songs from different musical genres. Besides the "essential" Beatles and some selected pop songs the show contains excursions to chanson and German hits. The second - more "jazzy" - show again contains something for those who love the comical aspects of a cappella music.

Additionally the ensemble breaks new ground by realizing a classical orchestra suite with five voices!

The appeal of the show "voices only" lies in the diversity of the repertoire: with a selection of songs from the different genres and styles in unusual arrangements quintessence surprises time and time again.

Besides fresh German songs - from the thirties up to now - the show contains Beatles songs in outstanding arrangements, jazz, close-harmonies, pop songs of high recognition value and even madrigals sung in italian/spanish vocal tradition.