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VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

Concert: Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices

May 3, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tickets for this concert will be on sale soon! Join the VocalEssence Chorus in an exploration of genre-defying selections that showcase the incredible versatility of the human voice. Span the globe with us as we highlight the diverse cultural influences that continue to shape American musical traditions. A spotlight will be placed on the music…

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge—comprised of boys and men—are dressed in black robes, white collars, and ties. They are standing in King's College Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture known for its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling, tall stained glass windows, and elaborate woodwork. Photo Credit: Leon Hargreaves

Concert: The Choir of King’s College

Apr 16, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Experience the magnificent voices of the world-renowned Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, in the soaring acoustics of the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Celebrated for its stunning artistry and centuries-old legacy, the Choir—under the direction of Daniel Hyde—will present an uplifting evening of choral music that is sure to inspire you. “I would happily sit in…

A collage image. On the left VocalEssence Ensemble Singers wearing black perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. On the right, Greg Zelek, wearing a black shirt and vest with hands folded poses in front of an organ console and pipes. Photo Credit (L-R): Bruce Silcox and Peter Rodgers

Concert: Ensemble Singers Featuring Greg Zelek

Apr 10, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The majestic vaulted ceiling and warm acoustics of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral create the perfect setting for this virtuosic all-French program. Greg Zelek, “one of the country’s most exciting young organists” (Organiste), joins the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers—acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)—performing works by Roger-Ducasse, Duruflé,…

VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while holding their arms forward on stage for the annual WITNESS concert. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

Concert: WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals

Feb 22, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire us to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in The Justice Symphony by Damien Geter, featuring anthems from the Civil Rights era. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro…

John Rutter, wearing a red sweater vest over a checkered shirt, is smiling as he sits and plays the piano which has notebooks, pens, and sheet music. Photo credit: Unknown

Concert: An Evening with John Rutter

Jan 16, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Join VocalEssence as we celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday with an unforgettable evening of choral beauty. Sit back and revel in the magnificent sights and sounds of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as Rutter conducts the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers and chamber orchestra in his best-loved choral gems. The program features the Midwest premiere…

VocalEssence singers wearing black with colorful scarves holding black folders perform with brass and percussion on a poinsettia and twinkle light garland adorned stage at Northrop.

Concert: Welcome Christmas 2025

Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Embrace the wonder of the season as VocalEssence continues its cherished tradition of welcoming Christmas in song. Hear sounds of the season from around the globe performed by four VocalEssence choirs, brass, guitar, percussion, and Northrop’s spectacular pipe organ. Feel the holiday spirit move through you as you lend your voice to joy-filled sing-alongs that…

Roderick Williams, wearing a black button down shirt and a dark blazer with a full smile stands in front of a brick wall. Photo Credit: Theo Williams

Concert: Ensemble Singers Featuring Roderick Williams

Nov 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Hear the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in their triumphant return from the Three Choirs Festival and tour of England. Lauded by The Times of London as “polished, bright and brilliantly balanced,” the Ensemble Singers present a reprise of their festival performance. They join forces with the award-winning baritone, Roderick Williams, OBE, to present Edvard Grieg’s magnificent Four Psalms,…

A collage image. On the left Thanjavur K. Murugaboopathi sits playing the mridangam, a South Indian hand drum. In the center, Shruthi Rajasekar wearking a black floral top sits holding a pencil and a notebook. On the right, Nirmala Rajasekar sits playing the veena, a plucked string instrument. Photo Credit (L-R): ReyMash Photography, Roscoe Rutter, and ReyMash Photography

Concert: Sarojini

Oct 25 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Experience a groundbreaking fusion where classical music traditions of South India and the West meet. Hear a North American premiere unlike any other by Minnesota’s own Shruthi Rajasekar. Hailed as “the most exciting piece of new music for choir and orchestra” by Canadian critic Natasha Gauthier, Sarojini (pronounced sa-RO-ji-ni) brings world-renowned Indian musicians Nirmala Rajasekar…

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, 2025 - May 3, 2026

Join us for a season of big names, bold premieres, and breath-taking performances. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! Click on the concerts below for more information and to order tickets. Please note: We are working with multiple ticket offices this season, so be sure to click on each concert for ticket information. 2025-2026 Season Concert Listing Sarojini…

NEA Statement

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