By Pamela Espeland | MINNPOST PUBLISHED: December 4, 2020 Christmas concerts coming up; Louise Erdrich at One Book, One Minnesota Dr. Anton Armstrong conducting the Massed Choirs and St. Olaf Orchestra during the 2019 Christmas Festival. Courtesy of St. Olaf College And suddenly it’s December. Hard to believe almost nine months have passed since the first…  Read More →

By Alissa Musto | Medium Published: September 22, 2020 https://medium.com/music-with-a-purpose/choral-community-and-creativity-in-times-of-crisis-interview-with-philip-shoultz-of-vocalessence-28566863a57b   #MusicWithAPurpose is a series dedicated to continuing the conversation surrounding music education and expression, both pre and post COVID. Today’s interview features Philip Shoultz, Associate Conductor and Director of Learning and Engagement for VocalEssence — a 52 year old performing arts organization based in…  Read More →

By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune November 30, 2018 — 2:52PM: http://www.startribune.com/10-best-concerts-to-mark-the-holidays-in-choir-crazed-minnesota/501646651/ With so many Minnesota choirs, it can be difficult selecting the perfect concert. Here are 10 great options for the holidays. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but music lovers have floated a new state motto: Land of 10,000…  Read More →

By Rob Hubbard November 24, 2018—9:00AM | UPDATED: November 28, 2018—12:28PM: https://www.twincities.com/2018/11/24/holidays-have-plenty-of-sweets-sweet-vocal-harmonies-that-is/ If Yuletide carols being sung by a choir sounds like your ideal holiday elixir, then this is the December for you in the Twin Cities. Vocal harmonies abound, as all of our best groups have their own concerts … and a couple of them hook up…  Read More →

By ROSS RAIHALA | rraihala@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: May 17, 2018 at 2:31 pm | UPDATED: May 17, 2018 at 3:50 pm https://www.twincities.com/2018/05/17/vocalessences-50th-season-features-movie-singalongs-bob-dylan-tribute-and-free-tickets-for-kids/ Two movie singalongs, a new work honoring Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan and a world premiere from young star composer Nico Muhly are on tap for VocalEssence’s newly announced 50th season. Season tickets are on sale now. For the…  Read More →

By Terry Blain Special to the Star Tribune APRIL 19, 2018 — 11:49AM http://www.startribune.com/choral-legend-lands-in-minnesota-with-music-composed-especially-for-vocalessence/480270893/ Englishman John Rutter is a phenomenon in the world of choral music, celebrated worldwide for the easy melodiousness of his music — and the joy it brings to those who sing it. His Minnesota connections date back more than three decades, to…  Read More →