Quintessance

"Quintessance is the name of the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies" It is also the name of an ambitious choir-project, performed every now and then through Sweden. The composer and leader, Anders Nyström is a fairly well known person in the choir society of Sweden, he's been active since the early eighties spreading the message and power of "togehterness" in various ways. This evening, in a church near my house. 
Locals are asked to participate in building a choir for this event and are led and presented the music by the composer in a workshop. Thereafter they rehearse themselves or together, when possible, during a couple of months before the concert. Then a rehearsal with the soloists and musicians, probably on the day of the concert, I don't know the details, and finally, in the evening, a performance in an absolutely packed church. The elements are represented by a dancer and soloists from the four corners of the world, the musicians are professionals. Sound and lighting technicians are hired, also professionals. We were a group of five who managed to get tickets and went to the event together. As you might suspect, we had a very positive experience of good music, spontaneous, joyful singing, great lyrics and a smooth performance through the one and a half hours the concert lasted. All free of charge, the tickets were only there to mark when the church was full. I f we want, we give a financial gift, after the concert which all goes to help-organisations.