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Music & Beer

Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:30 pm at 51 Walden

The Perfect Harmony of Beer and Music

What do a masterfully crafted brew and a brilliant piece of music have in common? More than you might think.

Presented by Keith Kirchoff, founder of Original Gravity and curator of the evening’s musical program, and Allen Quinn, brewer and co-owner of Armory’s Tomb, this interactive event explores the fascinating connections between sound and taste. Together, they will guide audiences through a series of carefully selected beer and music pairings, sharing insights into the brewing process, the artistry behind the music, and how each enhances the other.

Featuring award-winning musicians Angel Valchinov, Joseph Cracolici, and Ai-Ying Chiu, this immersive evening invites you to discover how rhythm, texture, tempo, and tone can transform the way we experience flavor, creating a multi-sensory journey unlike any other.

As you sample both throughout the night, you’ll discover surprising connections between the art of brewing and the art of music-making. Like composers balancing melody, harmony, and rhythm, brewers blend ingredients to create distinctive flavors, textures, and character. You may find that a bright, lively beer complements the energy of a sparkling musical work, while a darker, richer brew enhances the depth and warmth of a more reflective piece.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about the connections between taste and sound, this event offers a fresh and engaging way to experience chamber music.

Come sip, listen, compare, discuss, and discover the unexpected harmony between beer and music.

*Non-beer drinkers are warmly welcomed! Complimentary water will be available.

Purchase tickets online ($50) *21+ Valid photo ID matching the ticket holder’s name will be required at the door for entry/tasting.

Note: For groups of 8 or more wishing to sit together, please contact Elaine at elawrence@concordconservatory.org.

Featured Performers

Keith Kirchoff

Keith Kirchoff
Speaker

Keith Kirchoff is the founder and Artistic Director of Original Gravity Inc., a collaboration of local breweries and musicians, as well as the co-founder and director of the new music festival SPLICE. Specializing in works that combine interactive electro-acoustics with solo piano, his Electroacoustic Piano Tour has been presented in ten countries and has spawned three solo albums.

Angel Valchinov

Angel Valchinov
Violin

Performing with orchestras in the U.S. and Europe, Angel Valchinov is a soloist with a wide-ranging repertoire. An avid recitalist and chamber musician, some of his recent performance highlights include H. W. Ernst’s Six Polyphonic Etudes and a concert with the Turtle Island Quartet in Boston’s Jordan Hall.

Joseph Cracolici

Joseph Cracolici
Cello

Joseph Cracolici is a cellist from Western Massachusetts who has dedicated his life to sharing the power of music as both a performer and an educator. He believes in the cello’s ability to create a “reverberant, soulful, and stoic” sound.

Ai-Ying Chiu

Ai-Ying Chiu
Piano

Award-winning pianist and Boston-area educator Ai-Ying Chiu began her training at age four in Taiwan, earned a full-tuition scholarship to The Boston Conservatory, and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in premier concert halls worldwide.

 

Special thanks to our featured brewery, Armory’s Tomb!