The Quintessence Music Series
2025/2026 Season
We're excited to announce the return of The Quintessence Music Series, our multi-concert program featuring top artists with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Join us to experience jazz in its many forms and help keep the tradition thriving throughout Northern Nevada and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our second extraordinary Quintessence Music Series!
The Quintessence Music Series ~ 2025/2026 Season
March 8, 2026
The Art of Big Band featuring Mike Rocha
4:00 pm
Nightingale Concert Hall
Church Fine Arts Building
University of Nevada, Reno
Big Bands have a 100-year history of growth and evolution. Mike Rocha and RJO Music Director Greg Johnson will curate that evolution and share their love of the art of the big band.
Four-time Grammy-nominated and internationally renowned trumpeter and expert arranger, Mike is a talented and charismatic force in this age of musical enterprise. Whether performing in formal orchestral settings, high-profile cinema appearances, in a jazz orchestra, or in costume singing and dancing, Mike is noted for his professional excellence and integrity.
While Mike plays with countless ensembles, he is most noted for his work with the Lappitt-Rocha Septet, who recently recorded their first album, "First Take." Other artists' groups include Christina Aguilera, Bob Dylan, Lorde, Panic! at the Disco, Trisha Yearwood, Idina Menzel, Alfie Boe and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band & Little Phat Band, among many others.
May 10, 2026
An Afternoon of Romance - The Al Jarreau Project
featuring Nicolas Bearde
4:00 pm
Nightingale Concert Hall
Church Fine Arts Building
University of Nevada, Reno
For Mother's Day, the RJO will feature Nicolas Bearde as we present a compelling exploration of Al Jarreau's music featuring hits such as "We Got By," "We're in This Love Together," "Spain," and more.
Award winning recording artist, Nicolas Bearde, is a singer-songwriter, actor and educator whose career has spanned over 35 years. From his humble beginnings, Bearde has travelled many roads. His style is likened to Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole and Bill Withers. He is known for his "velvet voice," wit and engaging rapport that has drawn audiences into his live performances around the world.
As a solo artist, he headlines venues from San Francisco, Miami, Savannah and New York to London and beyond. Last year, Bearde joined the stage with the RJO presenting "The Legends of Jazz," a musical journey that emerged from the cultural melting pot of New Orleans in the early 20th century.