VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

“Big band” orchestra, soloists, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers and conductor Philip Brunelle gather to celebrate the music of Duke (Edward Kennedy) Ellington — not only a great performer and band leader, but also considered the most important composer in jazz history.

Duke Ellington’s adventurous spirit opened the way for the next generation of African American composers including William Banfield and Stephen Newby, and the first half of the concert will explore the “Ellington Effect” — how these composers and others have been influenced by his music.

Ellington's career was accelerated by his national radio appearances on the weekly Cotton Club broadcast, making his name a household word in America. After intermission, Sanford Moore will be our host for a re-enactment of the grand old days of the radio program, complete with sound effects by Tom Keith (the sound guru of A Prairie Home Companion).

The highlight of our radio program will be music from Ellington's "Sacred Concerts" — a fusion of jazz, classical music, choral music, spirituals, gospel and blues featuring Dennis Spears as baritone soloist.

Expect unique, dramatic sounds from WITNESS: The Duke Ellington Effect...including a first for VocalEssence – chorus with tap dancer!