The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary concert. After hearing a short set by each group, discover the magic of Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,” which was written for them to perform together. The contrast of the sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace.

Ticket Price:
$20

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At Luther College with the Nordic Choir, Collegiate Chorale, and Cathedral Choir

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary concert. Discover Carol Barnett’s The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass. The contrast of the sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace. Luther College choirs collaborate for performance surprises and a powerful finale.

For more information, visit http://programming.luther.edu/centerstage/VocalEssence/index.html.

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing present the Michigan debut of The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass. Plus a special appearance by the Calvin Collge choirs, directed by Joel Navarro and Pearl Shangkuan. Tickets available through the Calvin Box Office, Fine Arts Center, Calvin College
3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 526-6282

An old-fashioned American Christmas celebration, overflowing with beloved Christmas carols from the countries of Minnesota’s early settlers — Poland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Ukraine and others. Favorites like “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “Carol of the Bells” will be perfomed by the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with string orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle.

This year marks the tenth annual Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. This year’s contest-winning carols for chorus and celesta will be premiered, along with a world premiere from San Francisco composer Conrad Susa titled Love-Song Serenade, based on five poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The celebration wraps up with a grand audience sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

Single tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges may apply. Call 612-624-2345 or order online.

Save money and enjoy the very best seats by ordering as part of a VocalEssence Season Ticket package! Call 612-624-2345 to order season tickets.

Popular meets classical as the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers share the Fitzgerald stage with special guest star, Maureen McGovern, known as “The Stradivarius Voice.” The concert features music for spring from Renaissance madrigals to Broadway hits, along with classical favorites by Bach, and Brahms and Mendelssohn — all centered on the theme of springtime and the changing of the season — delighting the audience with a bouquet of charming and beautiful sounds.

Maureen first appeared with VocalEssence in Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing in 1999. Her charming performance as the winsome Mary Turner garnered acclaim from critic Michael Anthony, who wrote in the Star Tribune, “Her opulent tone and immaculate pitch would enhance any show.”

Together, Philip Brunelle and Maureen McGovern have selected songs for The Joy of Spring that will highlight her “Stradivarius Voice” as well as the “glorious, full throated singing” (Star Tribune) of the 120-voice VocalEssence Chorus.

The concert will begin with a set featuring the 32-voice Ensemble Singers sampling romantic and classical music from days of madrigals to the 20th century. Following a solo set by Maureen with songs like “It Was Just One of Those Things,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” and “Blues in the Night,” the first half closes with the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers performing the choral version of the Blue Danube Waltz.

After intermission, the Ensemble Singers will premiere “Coming of Spring,” a beautiful new work by Carleton College professor Gao Hong with the composer herself on pipa (Chinese lute, of which she is a world renowned master). Then Maureen returns to sing a suite of light-hearted tunes with the backing of the Ensemble Singers & Chorus—all the way from “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Download high resolution photo of Maureen from our image gallery page

“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!

Additional performances:

Sunday, December 9 (4 pm) - Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

An old-fashioned American Christmas celebration, overflowing with beloved Christmas carols from the countries of Minnesota’s early settlers — Poland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Ukraine and others. Favorites like “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “Carol of the Bells” will be perfomed by the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with string orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle.

This year marks the tenth annual Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. This year’s contest-winning carols for chorus and celesta will be premiered, along with a world premiere from San Francisco composer Conrad Susa titled Love-Song Serenade, based on five poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The celebration wraps up with a grand audience sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

Single tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges may apply. Call 612-624-2345 or order online.

Save money and enjoy the very best seats by ordering as part of a VocalEssence Season Ticket package! Call 612-624-2345 to order season tickets.

 

Order tickets online

Concert Conversation (3 pm) 

 

Additional performances:
Saturday, December 1 (8 pm) - Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater
Saturday, December 8 (7:30 pm) - Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina
Sunday, December 9 (4 pm) - Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

An old-fashioned American Christmas celebration, overflowing with beloved Christmas carols from the countries of Minnesota’s early settlers — Poland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Ukraine and others. Favorites like “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “Carol of the Bells” will be perfomed by the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with string orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle.

This year marks the tenth annual Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. This year’s contest-winning carols for chorus and celesta will be premiered, along with a world premiere from San Francisco composer Conrad Susa titled Love-Song Serenade, based on five poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The celebration wraps up with a grand audience sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

Single tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges may apply. Call 612-624-2345 or order online.

Save money and enjoy the very best seats by ordering as part of a VocalEssence Season Ticket package! Call 612-624-2345 to order season tickets.

 

Order tickets online

 

Additional performances:
Sunday, December 2 (4 pm) - Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis
Saturday, December 8 (7:30 pm) - Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina
Sunday, December 9 (4 pm) - Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

An old-fashioned American Christmas celebration, overflowing with beloved Christmas carols from the countries of Minnesota’s early settlers — Poland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Ukraine and others. Favorites like “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “Carol of the Bells” will be perfomed by the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with string orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle.

This year marks the tenth annual Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. This year’s contest-winning carols for chorus and celesta will be premiered, along with a world premiere from San Francisco composer Conrad Susa titled Love-Song Serenade, based on five poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The celebration wraps up with a grand audience sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

Single tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges may apply. Call 612-624-2345 or order online.

Save money and enjoy the very best seats by ordering as part of a VocalEssence Season Ticket package! Call 612-624-2345 to order season tickets.