VocalEssence Annual Report 2022-2023

“INSPIRED”—was the word used most frequently by patrons to describe their engagement with VocalEssence during the 2021-2022 season. Inspiration was at the center of everything we did this year: Our Chorus and Ensemble Singers were inspired to return to singing in person at venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit…

VocalEssence Strategic Plan 2022-2025

VocalEssence celebrates singing as an essential human expression. Artistic quality, passion for singing together, and reputation for engaging people are hallmarks of our impact. As our community changes, we have developed this strategic plan to address our future in three key areas, keeping singing together at the center of our work.

VocalEssence Annual Report 2021-2022

“INSPIRED”—was the word used most frequently by patrons to describe their engagement with VocalEssence during the 2021-2022 season. Inspiration was at the center of everything we did this year: Our Chorus and Ensemble Singers were inspired to return to singing in person at venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit…

Where in the World are the Conductors-July 2021

Philip Brunelle: Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle is in the midst of a “planning month” as he prepares for the upcoming 53rd season—lots of meetings with composers, artists, and finalizing the season announcement for each of you! The final Plymouth Summer Concert occurred on July 20 when Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele gave us their…  Read More

28 Days of Black Excellence begins February 1

Associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz will feature 28 Days of Black Excellence during his 9 a.m. daily “Take 5 with GPS” performance series. Watch Videos Now VocalEssence will showcase Black achievement in the arts and beyond each day of Black History Month as part of its daily pandemic show, Take 5 with GPS. VocalEssence has…  Read More

VOCALESSENCE CELEBRATES “28 DAYS OF BLACK EXCELLENCE” FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE CELEBRATES “28 DAYS OF BLACK EXCELLENCE” FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz will feature Black achievements in the arts and beyond during his 9 a.m. daily “Take 5 with GPS” performance series MINNEAPOLIS—January 27, 2021—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations, will…  Read More

UPCOMING VOCALESSENCE 2020-2021 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT IS A SEASON IN… AND ON… DEMAND 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com  UPCOMING VOCALESSENCE 2020-2021 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT  IS A SEASON IN… AND ON… DEMAND  MN Choral Ensemble’s performances will be broadcast in high-definition video   to a new website—VocalEssence On Demand.   MINNEAPOLIS—September 30, 2020—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations—is announcing its digital 2020-2021 concert season. The new season will available on a new website, VocalEssence On Demand, and includes a Chorus & Ensemble Singers series, a series of…  Read More

Where in the World are the Conductors – July 2019

In his “wonderful and busy” June and July, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has been making music with old friends and new.  He returned to the podium to conduct the Lake Harriet Pops Orchestra, a post he held for 10 seasons, and filled the air outside the Lake Harriet Bandshell with the music of Bernstein and…  Read More

Where in the World are the Conductors – September 2018

Artistic Director Philip Brunelle started the month of September by conducting the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in Mexico City for an amazing week of concerts and workshops. They performed solo concerts and also joined 30 professional Mexican singers in concerts of Brahms and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Orquesta Symphonica de Minería. September is the month…  Read More

Where in the World are the Conductors – August 2018

Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has had a whirlwind summer (nothing unusual!) beginning in early June with a trip to New York City meeting with Nico Muhly, composer of the new cantata being written for our Welcome Christmas concerts. The visit also included meetings with several composers and interviews about the upcoming 50th anniversary season. Then…  Read More

Where in the World are the Conductors—January 2018

While the busy holiday season is behind them, the new year holds plenty of exciting projects for our in-demand conductors, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Our Ensemble Singers are putting the final polish on their preparations for the Super Bowl LIVE kickoff concert. Philip Brunelle is leading them in…  Read More

2015-2016 ¡Cantaré! Composers

Elementary School Residency – Alephsus Valdés Alephsus Valdés has spent his career on musical production and recording, covering the whole process from composing, arranging, recording, mixing and post producing. As a composer, his works focus on theatrical, orchestral, film, and chamber music, with arrangements for different instrumentations. His compositions include writing the entire score for…  Read More

VocalEssence Adds WITNESS Teaching Artists to School Program Roster

The VocalEssence WITNESS School Program offers partner schools the opportunity for students to interact with one of our WITNESS Teaching Artists, who explore the yearly program theme through their artistic discipline. Teaching Artists create an integrative academic experience for students combining the study of African American culture with art, music, social studies, literature, character building…  Read More

Melanie DeMore, holding a pounding stick, stands in front of VocalEssence singers also holding pounding sticks. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

WITNESS: Leading with Love Digital Concert Program

FEATURING: Melanie DeMore, guest artist VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Ensemble Singers VocalEssence Singers Of This Age VocalEssence Vintage Voices Casey Rafn, piano Philip Brunelle, conductor G . Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor