Search Results

Searched for:
Image with a blue shape in left corner with VocalEssence logo in white and 2025-2026 Season. In center VocalEssence Singers wearing dark clothes with multicolored stoles sing and in lower right corner shape with orange, blue, gray, yellow, and turquoise stripes on a white background. Photo credit: Kyndell Harkness

VocalEssence 2025-2026 Season

Jun 10

Join us for a season of big names, bold premieres, and breath-taking performances. TICKETS AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JUNE 10  

NEA Statement

April 7, 2025

VocalEssence has a deep and rich history of nurturing community and bridging cultural differences through the power of singing together. And for many years, the NEA has funded the VocalEssence WITNESS program, which celebrates the contributions the Black community makes to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage. When it comes to federal…

Bridging Societal Difference

VocalEssence affirms the value of all persons and seeks to nurture singing communities that reflect and respond to the rich tapestry of people and cultures that make up Minnesota. TOGETHER WE SING Together We Sing sums up our belief that singing is an essential form of human expression. We believe everyone can sing, and when…

The sun and its rays shine beams of light through clouds breaking into blue sky above the sun and an orange hued sky below. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Image

Sacred Voices Digital Concert Program

FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Goitsemang Lehobye, soprano University Singers, University of Minnesota Matthew Mehaffey, conductor Orchestra Sir James MacMillan, conductor Philip Brunelle, conductor

Many singers perform in front of an audience in the ornate sanctuary of the Cathedral of Saint Paul that features a baldachin with black and gold marble columns that has a bronze latticework canopy. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox

Voices for a Cathedral Digital Concert Program

FEATURING: Basilica of St. Mary Cathedral Choir Patrick Schneider, conductor | Samuel Holmberg, organist Central Lutheran Choir Joseph Osowski, conductor | Isaac Drewes, organist House of Hope Presbyterian Motet Choir Matthew Culloton, conductor | Aaron David Miller, organist St. Mark’s Cathedral Choir Ray Johnston, conductor Saint Paul Cathedral Choir Christopher Ganza, conductor Plymouth Congregational Church…

VocalEssence Annual Report 2023-2024

Dear Friends of VocalEssence, With immense joy and gratitude, we share with you the 2023-2024 Annual Report for VocalEssence. This past year has been one of transformative growth, artistic innovation, and deep community impact. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also look ahead with great anticipation to what’s next. Our commitment to using music as…

Celebration Honoring Sir James MacMillan

Philip Brunelle & VocalEssence invite you to a celebration honoring guest artists Sir James MacMillan Conductor & Composer Goitsemang Lehobye Soprano Monday, March 31, 2025 5:30pm to 7:30pm Hosted by Mary and Jim Lawrence 4415 E Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN On-street parking available RSVP by March 26th below or to amy@vocalessence.org or 612.547.1454 Please…

WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize Six Trailblazers

Ruby Bridges At the tender age of six, Ruby Bridges advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960 when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Born on September 8, 1954, Bridges was the oldest of five children for Lucille and Abon Bridges, farmers in Tylertown,…

VocalEssence singers holding black folders performing at Northrop with brass and percussion players conducted by G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Photo Credit: Tony Nelson Photography

WITNESS: Eyes Still On the Prize Digital Concert Program

FEATURING: One Accord Dance Collective Suzette Gilreath Anaje Colquitt and Aurora Silpala, storytellers Audrey Lane-Getaz, soloist VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Singers Of This Age VocalEssence Vintage Voices Casey Rafn, piano WITNESS Trio G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor