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February 2015
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Class: WITNESS Let Freedom Ring
VocalEssence celebrates 25 years of WITNESS this year. Philip Brunelle has invited the Grammy Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness, to appear with the VocalEssence chorus at Orchestra Hall on February 8th. For a preview of this exciting program, join Philip on February 2nd, from 2:15–3:45pm at Plymouth Church, as he explores this year’s theme—music inspired by the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., including “Hold On—Change is Coming,” “His Light Still Shines,” and “Eyes on the Prize.” To register…
Find out more »WITNESS Young People’s Concerts
Celebrating 25 years of WITNESS, this year’s Young People’s Concerts salute the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his lifelong promotion of racial equality through nonviolent resistance. The VocalEssence Chorus, along with the Grammy Award-Winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness, will commemorate Dr. King by tracing the roots of African American music through spirituals, gospel music and R&B with uplifting messages of unity and peace for all humankind. 2015 Performance Dates: Monday, February 9 at 10:00am Monday, February 9 at…
Find out more »May 2015
FUNDRAISER: Gather at the River with Mark Twain (Matinee)
Online ticket sales for this event are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the event beginning at 3:30 pm. Step into the past to support the future of choral music education programs at VocalEssence. Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and guest artist Don Shelby as Mark Twain on the historic Minnesota Centennial Showboat for a celebration of the river. Sip cocktails and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres on the Victorian deck and enter a raffle to win fabulous prizes,…
Find out more »FUNDRAISER: Gather at the River with Mark Twain (Evening)
Online ticket sales for this event are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the event beginning at 7:00 pm. Step into the past to support the future of choral music education programs at VocalEssence. Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and guest artist Don Shelby as Mark Twain on the historic Minnesota Centennial Showboat for a celebration of the river. Sip cocktails and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres on the Victorian deck and enter a raffle to…
Find out more »February 2016
CONCERT: VocalEssence WITNESS: Morehouse College Glee Club
This performance has limited availability. Please keep checking back as tickets may be turned back for resale. Low notes will be high points when the internationally-renowned Morehouse College Glee Club teams up with VocalEssence to celebrate male singing. Founded in Atlanta in 1867, Morehouse College remains the only all-male historically black college in the nation. The Glee Club is known for its musical precision, wide-ranging repertoire and distinguished alumni. VocalEssence and the Glee Club will share the stage with guest…
Find out more »May 2016
FUNDRAISER: VocalEssence Choralia 2016
VocalEssence invites you to spring into song on May Day 2016 by attending Choralia—a singing celebration to benefit the VocalEssence Community Engagement Programs, which inspire people of all ages and cultures to explore their love of singing—together we sing! Spring Into Song Menu: Chef Dinesh Jayawardena of the FireLake Grill has put together a bouquet of delectable items including a delicious chicken and mushroom wellington or a mouth-watering vegetarian cannoli. Uplifting and immersive entertainment: VocalEssence, a guest choir, and special guest Melanie…
Find out more »November 2016
Give to the Max Day 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016 is Give to the Max Day! 6,567 students are slated to attend the VocalEssence WITNESS Young People’s Concerts this February (1,000 more students than last season!). In order to make the concerts possible for everyone, we need to raise $25 per student. Sponsor a seat (or two) and pay it forward this holiday season. Just $25 will give what one student called “absolutely amazing!” If you are a new donor, a board member will match your…
Find out more »January 2017
LULLABY PROJECT: Listening and Sharing Session
Join us in this child friendly celebration of literacy and song, as members of the Ensemble Singers premiere five newly written lullabies, composed by select African-American students from Longfellow Alternative High School with the assistance of WITNESS guest artist Melanie DeMore and the VocalEssence Lullaby team. Mothers from Longfellow Alternative High School Octet of VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Melanie DeMore, guest artist G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor To protect the privacy of participants, this event is by invitation only.
Find out more »February 2017
BACKSTAGE PASS: VocalEssence WITNESS Dress Rehearsal
Head backstage at Orchestra Hall to meet guest artist Melanie DeMore, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, and participants of VocalEssence WITNESS, which offers in-school workshops for students and invites schools to attend the VocalEssence WITNESS Young People’s Concerts. Stay to hear a sneak peek of the VocalEssence WITNESS: Underground Railroad concert dress rehearsal.
Find out more »CONCERT: VocalEssence WITNESS: Underground Railroad
Come prepared to sing, clap and stomp along the path to freedom with Melanie DeMore. Following her sold-out concert in 2014, Melanie returns to raise up immigrant voices past and present through songs of liberation and freedom, illuminating Minnesota’s historic role as a sanctuary for the oppressed. VocalEssence Chorus Franklin Middle School Chorus, Minneapolis North High School Chorus, Minneapolis Parkway Montessori and Community Middle School Chorus, Saint Paul Johnson Senior High School Chorus, Saint Paul Melanie DeMore, guest artist G.…
Find out more »March 2017
VocalEssence WITNESS Community Conversations: Legacies of Strength
Join us for a unique event featuring descendants of people who share a special connection to Fort Snelling. Lynne Jackson will share stories of her great-great-grandparents, Dred and Harriet Scott, whose fight for freedom led our nation closer to civil war. Sharon Harper will speak about her ancestor, Robert Hickman, who escaped slavery during the Civil War and found a new life in Minnesota. Now 160 years since the controversial Dred Scott ruling, these guest presenters will share stories of…
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