Um! Yah! Yah! (Need we say more?!) VocalEssence is thrilled to join forces with one of the most prestigious choirs in the country, hailing from right in our backyard. VocalEssence singers will be joined by the St. Olaf Choir under the magnificent batons of Philip Brunelle, G. Phillip Shoultz, III, and Anton Armstrong. Music will…

Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas, God Jul, and Veselykh Svya—this year’s Welcome Christmas features music for all to enjoy! Experience the passion of all four VocalEssence ensembles singing together on one stage presenting carols from around the world. Hear new and familiar favorites, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds,…

Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas, God Jul, and Veselykh Svya—this year’s Welcome Christmas features music for all to enjoy! Experience the passion of all four VocalEssence ensembles singing together on one stage presenting carols from around the world. Hear new and familiar favorites, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds,…

“Shout for joy!” Back by popular demand, the Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers renew their collaboration to tell one of the greatest musical Christmas stories of all time. Hear three cantatas from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as well as cantata 147, beloved for its setting of the tune “Jesu, Joy…

For 55 years, Philip Brunelle has been at the helm of VocalEssence, and now he is celebrating another milestone—his 80th Birthday—with no plans of slowing down! In honor of this monumental occasion, we will perform some of Philip’s favorite works from the past 55 years. Join us as we go down memory lane, rediscovering music…

For 55 years, Philip Brunelle has been at the helm of VocalEssence, and now he is celebrating another milestone—his 80th Birthday—with no plans of slowing down! In honor of this monumental occasion, we will perform some of Philip’s favorite works from the past 55 years. Join us as we go down memory lane, rediscovering music…

In a program that explores our relationships with one another and with creation, VocalEssence seeks to give fresh life to justice and hope sharing a message celebrating the wide circle of life that provides room for all to grow and thrive. Featuring commissions by Daniel Godfrey and Marcus Simmons, and the latest piece by ACDA…

Beloved vocal activist, soulful singer, and composer Melanie DeMore returns to Minnesota using her music as what she calls “a weapon of mass connection.” Featuring music by Damien Geter, Marques Garrett, Joel Thompson, and songs from the African diaspora, WITNESS: Leading with Love is the place to hear Melanie and VocalEssence share the world premiere…

TOGETHER WE SING Subscribe and join VocalEssence as we celebrate 55 years of singing together. From collaborations with the St. Olaf Choir, the Bach Society of Minnesota, and Northrop to exciting commissions by vocal activist Melanie DeMore, Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Minnesota’s own Jocelyn Hagen and Kyle Pederson, this season is sure to make…