Across the history of Western classical music, rarely do we find two major composers whose journeys toward artistic maturity were as closely intertwined as Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn’s. Born just over three years apart (Fanny on November 14, 1805, Felix on February 3, 1809), they were the oldest of four children born to Abraham and…
by Jill Riley The Current | May 6, 2022 https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2022/05/06/stewart-copeland-police-composer-vocalessence-interview-with-jill-riley Stewart Copeland rose to international renown for his work as a drummer for the innovative rock band, the Police. Beyond his work as a rock drummer, Copeland has also forged a successful career as a composer, creating music for films, television and the stage. He… Read More →
by Steve Marsh Mpls.St.Paul Magazine | May 7, 2022 https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/police-drummer-stewart-copeland-vocalessence/ The Police drummer Stewart Copeland is in St. Paul this weekend for the regional premiere of his new chorale piece inspired by Paradise Lost. Courtesy of Shayne Gray Stewart Copeland is in St. Paul this weekend to debut his new chorale piece Satan’s Fall, sung by the vaunted VocalEssence… Read More →
Jamie Chamberlain, soprano Praised for her “shimmering tones” and “star struck vulnerability” by Opera News, Greek-American Soprano Jamie Chamberlin is recognized for her versatility as both a singer and as an actress. ArtsInLA hailed her role debut as Cunegonde in Long Beach Operaʼs Candide as “jawdropping”. Most recently at LBO, Ms. Chamberlin earned rave reviews for her…
So many thoughts fill my mind thinking of dear Sigrid, affectionately known to all singers as “Ears Johnson” for she truly had the most amazing way of discerning the sound of each individual voice. For 24 years at VocalEssence she was my colleague, my musical conscience, a joyful supporter for a great realm of music,…
By Chris Riemenschneider, Jon Bream and Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | March 2, 2022 https://www.startribune.com/the-big-gigs-10-concerts-to-see-in-the-twin-cities-dua-lipa-connie-han-kiss-the-tiger-rick-wakeman/600152050/ Live music highlights for March 4-9 include Dua Lipa, First Ave’s Best New Bands, the Beths, VocalEssence and more. Friday, March 4 First Avenue’s Best New Bands: Don’t worry, the two-month postponement of this annual roundup of Minnesota buzzmakers didn’t take away any of… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer George Philip Telemann. Georg Philip Telemann 1681-1767 Georg Philip Telemann was a German Baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist. Almost completely self-taught in music, he became a composer against his family’s wishes. After studying in Magdeburg, Zellerfeld,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer John Joubert. John Joubert 1927-2019 Born in Cape Town in 1927, John Joubert’s compositional career stretched over 70 years. His schooling took place at an Anglican foundation run on the lines of an English public… Read More →
By SHEILA REGAN Pioneer Press | December 4, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/12/04/music-review-vocalessence-bach-society-deliver-healthy-dose-of-rejoicing-in-christmas-oratorio/ Decked out with birch trees and wreaths, the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis brought in the Christmas season when the combined forces of VocalEssence and the Bach Society of Minnesota presented four of the six Cantatas that make up Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.” Situated… Read More →
Hear carols from around the world, featuring the joyous sounds of more than 200 voices, brass and percussion, Northrop’s pipe organ, and a rousing sing-along sure to ignite your holiday spirit!
Concert video includes Cantatas I and VI.
VocalEssence was fortunate to have two fantastic interns this summer: Aaron Schondorf and Blake Wieseler. Each and every voice that contributes to, or participates in our mission is an essential part of our community. We are thrilled to share the projects these two have worked on during their time at VocalEssence. Aaron Schondorf, a Carleton… Read More →
By ROSS RAIHALA | rraihala@pioneerpress.com Pioneer Press | August 6, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/08/06/vocalessence-season-to-include-bob-dylan-tour-and-new-composition-by-the-polices-stewart-copeland/ “Music Moves Us” is the theme of VocalEssence’s recently announced 2021-22 concert season. The Minneapolis choral music group will return to in-person concerts in a variety of venues. Concerts will also be streamed online free of charge. Season tickets go on sale Aug. 23, with single… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE RETURNS TO IN-PERSON PERFORMANCE WITH MUSIC AND DANCE FOR THE FIRST CONCERT OF SEASON, ‘HOPE LIVES HERE’ Premiere of newly choreographed works of Bernstein and Piazzolla from Minnesota Dance Theatre and world premiere from young talent Gabriel Kahane welcome audiences back to Orchestra Hall—Sat, Oct. 16 MINNEAPOLIS—August 2,… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE ANNOUNCES CONCERTS FOR “MUSIC MOVES US,” 2021-2022 SEASON MN Choral Ensemble returns to in-person performances, while offering additional option of streaming concerts MINNEAPOLIS—July 31, 2021—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations, announces its 2021-2022 concert season, themed “Music Moves Us.” In person concerts will resume, with VocalEssence singers delighted to perform in front of live audiences… Read More →
