While growing up, the magic of Christmas and the holiday season was impossible to surpass in the annual cycle of events. In our younger years this magic seemed to be associated with the special ambiance and (most importantly!) the gifts, however naturally we all came to realize how over the years our interests shift to different matters.

Today, it is very obvious that an event like Bach’s Christmas Oratorio represents, more than anything else, the overflow of joy and excitement during this special time of the year.

The Bach Society of Minnesota started the annual performance of the Christmas Oratorio in 2017. It is such a pleasure and honor to partner again with VocalEssence and Philip Brunelle for a performance of four cantatas, three of which are taken from
the Christmas Oratorio.

Cantata BWV 147 will be a new element for our annual cycle: Bach had already written most of it in 1716, as an advent cantata for the court chapel in Weimar, but it was only in Leipzig that he added the recitatives with instrumental accompaniment and the well-known chorale.

It makes us happy to present the four highly inspired cantatas that are on the program. And we wish nothing more than to see you equally happy during and after the concert!

—Matthias Maute, Artistic Director, Bach Society of Minnesota

—Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO
CANTATA I
1. CHORUS

Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage, rühmet, was heute der Höchste getan! Lasset das Zagen, verbannet die Klage, stimmet voll Jauchzen und Fröhlichkeit an! Dienet dem Höchsten mit herrlichen Chören, laßt uns den Namen des Herrschers verehren!

Singing, rejoicing, give praise and shout gladly; honor what God in the highest has done! Banish all worry, forbid all complaining, join in with praises and joyfully sing! Serve the Almighty with beautiful singing; praise to God’s Name, who over all things is reigning!

2. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit, daß ein Gebot von dem Kaiser Augusto ausging, daß alle Welt geschätzet würde. Und jedermann ging, daß er sich schätzen ließe, ein jeglicher in seine Stadt. Da machte sich auch auf Joseph aus Galiläa, aus der Stadt Nazareth, in das jüdische Land zur Stadt David, die da heißet Bethlehem; darum, daß er von dem Hause und Geschlechte Davids war auf daß er sich schätzen ließe mit Maria, seinem vertrauten Weibe, die war Schwanger. Und als sie daselbst waren, kam die Zeit, daß sie gebären sollte.

And it came to pass in those days, that a decree from Caesar Augustus went out, that all the world should pay their taxes. And everyone went together to be counted, each going into hisown city. And also there came up Joseph from Galilee, up out of Nazareth, to the City of David in Judea, which we know as Bethlehem, for Joseph descended from the royal line of David’s house, that he would be taxed in Bethlehem with Mary; and she was great with child, his wedded wife. While they were there, the time for Mary came, that she should be delivered.

3. ACCOMPANIED RECITATIVE (Patricia Kramer, alto)

Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam, nun wird der Held aus Davids Stamm zum Trost, zum Heil der Erden einmal geboren werden. Nun wird der Stern aus Jakob scheinen, sein Strahl bricht schon hervor. Auf, Zion, und verlasse nun das Weinen, dein Wohl steigt hoch empor!

Now will my dearest bridegroom come; now will the child of David’s line bring comfort, bring peace from heaven, when he is born, our Savior. Now is the star from Jacob rising, his beam breaks forth on earth. Come, Zion, put aside your tears and weeping, your help is given birth!

4. ARIA (Alto)

Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichem Trieben, den Schönsten, den Liebsten bald bei dir zu sehn! Deine Wangen müssen heut viel schöner prangen, eile, den Bräutigam sehnlichst zu lieben!

Prepare yourself, Zion, with tender emotion, the fairest, the dearest will soon come to you! Your appearance today must be full of radiance; meet him the Bridegroom with loving devotion!

5. CHORALE

Wie soll ich dich empfangen und wie begegn’ ich dir? O aller Welt Verlangen, o meiner Seelen Zier! O Jesu, Jesu, setze mir selbst die Fakkel bei, damit, was dich ergötze, mir kund und wissen sei!

How shall I then receive you and meet you, Lord of all? Desire of every nation, adornment of my soul! O Jesus, Jesus, grant me yourself the light to see, so that which brings you pleasure is understood by me!

6. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn und wickelte ihn in Windeln und legte ihn in eine Krippe, denn sie hatten sonst keinen Raum in der Herberge.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and in swaddling clothes she wrapped him and laid him cradled in a manger, for there had been no other room in the inn for them.

7. CHORALE (Sopranos and David Gindra, bass)

Er ist auf Erden kommen arm Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhn, die unser Heiland för uns hegt? daß er unser sich erbarm Ja, wer vermag es einzusehen, wie ihn der Menschen Leid bewegt? und in dem Himmel mache reich Des Höchsten Sohn kommt in die Welt, weil ihm ihr Heil so wahl gefällt, und seinen lieben Engeln gleich. so will er selbst als Mensch geboren werden. Kyrieleis!

He came to earth, a child so poor, Who will express this love from heaven, the love our Savior shows this day? of his mercy we are sure; Yes, who can understand or fathom how he is moved by our dismay? and grants the wealth of heaven here, The Son of God comes to the earth to bring salvation with his birth. and brings the realm of angels near. He chose to be a child like every other. Lord have mercy!

8. ARIA (Nathan Peterson-Kindem, bass)

Großer Herr, o starker König, liebster Heiland, a wie wenig achtest du der Erden Pracht! Der die ganze Welt erhält, ihre Pracht und Zier erschaffen, muß in harten Krippen schlafen.

Sovereign Lord, O mighty ruler, Jesus Christ, Thou blessed Savior O how you disdain all earthly vanity! He who holds the universe, who created all its splendor, will in rugged manger slumber.

9. CHORALE

Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein, mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein, zu ruhn in meines Herzens Schrein, daß ich nimmer vergesse dein!

Ah, dearest Jesus, rest your head upon a humble cradle bed. Within my heart I do implore, that I forget you never more!

CANTATA II
10. SINFONIA

11. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend auf dem Felde bei den Hürden, die hüteten des Nachts ihre Herde. Und siehe, des Herren Engel trat zu ihnen, und die Klarheit des Herren leuchtet um sie, und sie furchten sich sehr.

And there were shepherds abiding in the field who watched over their flocks by night. And see, the angel of the Lord came to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were afraid.

12. CHORALE

Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht, Und lass den Himmel tagen! Du Hirtenvolk, erschrecke nicht, Weil dir die Engel sagen, Dass dieses schwache Knäbelein Soll unser Trost und Freude sein, Dazu den Satan zwingen Und letztlich Friede bringen!

Break out, O beautiful morning light, and fill the heavens with glory! You shepherd folk, do not fear and hear the Angels’ story: This baby will be our comfort and joy, Sustain us and bring peace at last!

13. RECITATIVE (Evangelist, Kathryn Rupp, soprano)
Evangelist:

Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen:

And the angel said to them:

Soprano:

Fürchtet euch nicht, siehe, ich verkündige euch große Freude, die allem Volke widerfahren wird. Denn euch ist heute der Heiland geboren, welcher ist Christus, der Herr, in der Stadt David.

Be not afraid, For I bring you joyful tidings, which shall be to all people. For unto you, on this day in the city of David A Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord.

14. RECITATIVE (Erik Krog, bass)

Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen, Das lässt er nun dem Hirtenchor Erfüllt erweisen. Ein Hirt hat alles das zuvor Von Gott erfahren müssen. Und nun muss auch ein Hirt die Tat, Was er damals versprochen hat, Zuerst erfüllet wissen.

What God promised to Abraham God showed the shepherds on the day when Christ was born. God made the covenant in the days of old and to the shepherds God fulfilled it.

15. ARIA (Nicholas Chalmers, tenor)

Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet, Eh ihr euch zu lang verweilet, Eilt, das holde Kind zu sehn! Geht, die Freude heißt zu schön, Sucht die Anmut zu gewinnen, Geht und labet Herz und Sinnen!

Joyful shepherds, hurry, Don’t waste precious moments Hurry to see the lovely child! Let your joy be unbounded seek his grace’s inspiration, go and refresh your heart and mind!

16. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Und das habt zum Zeichen: Ihr werdet finden das Kind in Windeln gewickelt und in einer Krippe liegen.

And this shall be the sign: you will find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

17. CHORALE

Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall, Des Herrschaft gehet überall! Da Speise vormals sucht ein Rind, Da ruhet itzt der Jungfrau’n Kind.

Look, there lies in the dark stable one who has dominion over all! Where once an ox sought food now rests the Virgin’s child.

18. RECITATIVE (Erik Krogh, bass)

So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht, Dass ihr das Wunder seht: Und findet ihr des Höchsten Sohn In einer harten Krippe liegen, So singet ihm bei seiner Wiegen Aus einem süßen Ton Und mit gesamtem Chor Dies Lied zur Ruhe vor!

Then go, you shepherds, go, that you may see the wonder: And when you find the son of the Highest lying in an austere manger, then sing to him in his cradle in a sweet tone and with the whole choir bring this song of slumber!

19. ARIA (Anna Meek, Audrey Lane-Getaz, Carolyn Nuelle, alto)

Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh, Wache nach diesem vor aller Gedeihen! Labe die Brust, Empfinde die Lust, Wo wir unser Herz erfreuen!

Sleep, my dearest, enjoy your rest. wake from slumber to bring us salvation. Rest and sleep with a smile, Wake to hear our exultation!

20. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel die Menge der himmlischen Heerscharen, die lobten Gott und sprachen

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

21. CHORUS

Die Engel: Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe und Friede auf Erden und den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen.

Angels: Glory to God in the highest peace on earth and goodwill towards all

22. RECITATIVE (Erik Krogh, bass)

So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet, Dass es uns heut so schön gelinget! Auf denn! wir stimmen mit euch ein, Uns kann es so wie euch erfreun.

It is right, you Angels, that you should rejoice and sing today is born our Lord and King. Sing then and each one raise their voice And with the Angels all rejoice.

23. CHORALE

Wir singen dir in deinem Heer Aus aller Kraft, Lob, Preis und Ehr, Dass du, o lang gewünschter Gast, Dich nunmehr eingestellet hast.

In chorus now to you we raise With mighty voice our songs of praise That our long-awaited Guest Has come at last into this world.

CANTATA 147, part I
1. CHORUS

Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben Muss von Christo Zeugnis geben, Ohne Furcht und Heuchelei, Dass er Gott und Heiland sei.

Heart and mouth and deed and living Must bear witness of Christ, Without fear and hypocrisy, That he is God and Savior.

2. RECITATIVE (Nicholas Chalmers, tenor)

Gebenedeiter Mund! Maria macht ihr Innerstes der Seelen Durch Dank und Rühmen kund; Sie fänget bei sich an, Des Heilands Wunder zu erzählen, Was er an ihr als seiner Magd getan. O menschliches Geschlecht, Des Satans und der Sünden Knecht, Du bist befreit Durch Christi tröstendes Erscheinen Von dieser Last und Dienstbarkeit! Jedoch dein Mund und dein verstockt Gemüthe Verschweigt, verleugnet solche Güte; Doch wisse, dass dich nach der Schrift Ein allzuscharfes Urteil trifft!

O though most blessed voice! Mary makes the innermost part of her soul known through thanks and praise; She undertakes along to tell the wonders of the savior, all that he has done for her as his handmaid. O human race servant of Satan and sin, you are set free through Christ’s consoling appearance from this burden and slavery! Yet your mouth and your obdurate spirit keep silent and deny such kindness; Remember, that according to scripture there awaits you a sharp judgment!

3. ARIA (Kristina Rodel, alto)

Schäme dich, o Seele nicht Deinen Heiland zu bekennen, Soll er dich die seine nennen Vor des Vaters Angesicht! Doch wer ihn auf dieser Erden Zu verleugnen sich nicht scheut, Soll von ihm verleugnet werden, Wenn er kömmt zur Herrlichkeit.

Do not be ashamed,O Soul, to acknowledge your saviour if he were to call you his own before his father’s face But whoever on this earth does not shrink from denying him will himself be denied by him when he comes in glory.

4. RECITATIVE (Joe Kastner, bass)

Verstockung kann Gewaltige verblenden Bis sie des Höchsten Arm vom Stuhle stößt; Doch dieser Arm erhebt, Obschon vor ihm der Erde Kreis erbebt, Hingegen die Elenden, So er erlöst. O hochbeglückte Christen, Auf, machet euch bereit, Itzt ist die angenehme Zeit, Itzt ist der Tag des Heils: der Heiland heißt Euch Leib und Geist Mit Glaubensgaben rüsten, Auf, ruft zu ihm in brünstigem Verlangen, Um ihn im Glauben zu empfangen!

Stubbornness can blind the powerful until the arm of the highest thrusts them from their seat; yet this arm even though the round earth trembles before it on the other hand raises the wretched, Whom he redeems. O very fortunate Christians Rise, make yourself ready, now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation: the saviour calls you to arm body and spirit with the gifts of faith, Rise, call to him in ardent longing and receive him in faith!

5. ARIA (Carey Shunskis, soprano)

Bereite dir, Jesu, noch itzo die Bahn Bereite dir, Jesu, noch itzo die Bahn, Mein Heiland, erwähle Die gläubende Seele Und siehe mit Augen der Gnade mich an!

Prepare the way to you now, Jesus, my Savior, choose my faithful soul and look upon me with eyes of mercy!

6. CHORALE

Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe O wie feste halt ich ihn, Dass er mir mein Herze labe, Wenn ich krank und traurig bin. Jesum hab ich, der mich liebet Und sich mir zu eigen gibet; Ach drum lass ich Jesum nicht, Wenn mir gleich mein Herze bricht.

What joy for me that I have Jesus, oh, how firmly I hold him so that he may make my heart rejoice, when I am sick and filled with grief. I have Jesus, who loves me and gives himself to me for his own. Ah, therefore I shall not let go of Jesus, even though my heart should break.

CANTATA VI
54. CHORUS

Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben, so gib, daß wir im festen Glauben nach deiner Macht und Hülfe sehn! Wir wollen dir allein vertrauen, so können wir den scharfen Klauen des Feindes unversehrt entgehn.

Lord, when the haughty foes are raging, grant that we in faithful trusting upon your help and power stand! We trust in you alone for rescue, the powers of evil cannot harm us, and foes leave our land undefiled.

55. RECITATIVE (Evangelist, Herod-Joe Kastner, bass)

Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich und erlernet mit Fleiß von ihnen, wenn der Stern erschienen wäre. Und weiset sie gen Bethlehem und sprach: Ziehet hin und forschet fleißig nach dem Kindlein, und wenn ihr’s findet, sagt mir’s wieder, daß ich auch komme und es anbete.

Then King Herod secretly called the Magi and met them with anxiously questioning, when the star had first been witnessed? He sent them to Bethlehem and said: “Go and search for the infant; and when you find him, come and tell me, that I may come and worship him.”

56. RECITATIVE (Mari Scott, soprano)

Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fallen, nimm alle falsche List, dem Heiland nachzustellen; der, dessen Kraft kein Mensch ermißt, bleibt doch in sichrer Hand. Dein Herz, dein falsches Herz ist schon, nebst aller seiner List, des Höchsten Sohn, den du zu stürzen suchst, sehr wohl bekannt.

Imposter, you may seek to crush the Master; take every evil ruse to trap and harm our Savior. He, the most powerful of all, is resting in God’s hand. Your heart, deceitful as it is, in every sly reproach to God’s own Son, whom it seeks to destroy, is known to him

57. ARIA

Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen stürzt ohnmächtger Menschen Macht. Hier wird alle Kraft verlacht! Spricht der Höchste nur ein Wort, seiner Feinde Stolz zu enden, O, so müssen sich sofort sterblicher Gedanken wenden.

God controls with just one motion will bring down feeble, human might; he breaks all strength and pride. God Most High speaks but a word, and the pride of all is ended. O, this means we must at once change our thoughts as moral people.

58. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten, zogen sie hin. Und siehe, der Stern, den sie im Morgenlande gesehen hatten, ging für ihnen hin, bis daß er kam und stund oben über, da das Kindlein war. Da sie den Stern sahen, wurden sie hoch erfreuet und gingen in das Haus und funden das Kindlein mit Maria,seiner Mutter, und fielen nieder und beteten es an und täten ihre Schätze auf und schenkten ihm Gold, Weihrauch und Myrrhen.

When the Magi heard what the king was saying, they departed. And behold, the star, which they had seen and followed upon their journey, moved ahead of them, until it came and stood where the infant lay. When the Magi saw this, they rejoiced greatly and went into the house; and finding the baby with Mary, his mother, and falling down at his feet, they worshipped him. They offered treasures to the infant: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

59. CHORALE

Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier, O Jesulein, mein Leben; ich komme, bring und schenke dir, was du mir hast gegeben. Nimm hin! es ist mein Geist und Sinn, Herz, Seel und Mut, nimm alles hin, und laß dirs wohlgefallen!

I kneel beside the manger bed, and look to thee, my Savior. I come now and offer thee what you to me have given Take all! It is my spirit, will match the worth of heart and soul; so take them all in thy control!

60. RECITATIVE (Evangelist)

Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum, daß sie sich nicht sollten wieder zu Herodes lenken, und zogen durch einen andern Weg wieder in ihr Land.

And God forewarned them in a dream, that they should not go again to visit Herod; so, they returned another way into their own land.

61. RECITATIVE

So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier, er bleibet da bei mir, Ich will ihn auch nicht von mir lassen. sein Arm wird mich aus Lieb mit sanftmutsvollem Trieb und größter Zärtlichkeit umfassen; er soll mein Bräutigam verbleiben, ich will ihm Brust und Herz verschreiben. Ich weiß gewiß er liebet mich, mein Herz liebt ihn auch inniglich und wird ihn ewig ehren. Was könnte mich nun für ein Feind bei solchem Glück versehren! Du, Jesu, bist und bleibst mein Freund, und werd ich ängstlich zu dir flehn: Herr, hilf! so laß mich Hülfe sehn!

Farewell! Enough, my treasure will stay here; he will remain with me, and I will stay with him forever. His loving arm is there to rest me in his care. He stays with me and leaves me never; he shall my bridegroom be forever; in him I find my soul’s endeavor. I am assured he loves his child; my heart loves him, he is adored; him will I ever honor. What enemy could now destroy such perfect joy and gladness? O, Jesus, you are friend and joy; and when I cry to you in fear: “Lord, help!” let your help be near!

62. ARIA

Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken; was könnt ihr mir für Furcht erwecken? Mein Schatz, mein Hort ist hier bei mir. Ihr mögt euch noch so grimmig stellen, droht nur mich ganz und gar zu fällen, doch seht! mein Heiland wohnet hier.

Now, come you haughty foes, to frighten, what fear can you instill within me? My Lord, my shield is here with me. You may assail in dreadful manner, and threaten even to undo me. Behold my Savior dwells with me.

63. RECITATIVE (Jennifer Bevington, soprano, Judith Melander, alto, Ben Brunnette, tenor, Micheal Schmidt, bass)

Was will der Höllen schrecken nun, Was will uns Welt und Sünde tun, da wir in Jesu Händen ruhn?

The evil powers of Hell subside, No worldly powers of sin preside, when we in Jesus’ hands abide.

64. CHORALE

Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen an eurer Feinde Schar, denn Christus hat zerbrochen was euch zuwider war. Tod, Teufel, Sünd und Hölle sind ganz und gar geschwächt; bei Gott hat seine Stelle das menschliche Geschlecht.

The shout goes up victorious, that Jesus Christ is born! The foes have been defeated, he rules as King and Lord. Over sin and death and evil, the battle has been won; and in our hearts forever we praise him, God’s own Son.

Heralded by the Washington Post as “dulcet and exciting,” Nicholas Chalmers, tenor, has sung with The Bach Society of Minnesota, The Rose Ensemble, the Minnesota Bach Ensemble, Glorious Revolution Baroque, and Transept. Recent solo engagements include the Oratorio Society, the Bach Roots Festival, the Schubert Club, the St. Mark’s Cathedral Concert Series, Minnesota Center Chorale, Border CrosSing, and Lyra Baroque. Nicholas received a B.M. in music from St. Olaf College, as well as an M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Minnesota.

Nicholas is the Director of Choirs at Chesterton Academy in Hopkins and is Director of Music at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. He is also Artistic Director of the Mirandola Ensemble, which presents programs of rarely performed early music from the Medieval and Renaissance eras strategically juxtaposed with the compositions of 20th and 21st century composers. Sought after as an educator and clinician, during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years Nicholas piloted a high-school choral residency program in collaboration with Minnesota Public Radio.

Bach Society of Minnesota was founded in 1932, one of the first organizations in North America to take the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach as an exclusive starting point for world-class performances with period instruments and historic performance practices that evoke the depths and passions of Bach’s compositions. Under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute, the organization continues its focus on collaboration and excellence, striving to create respectful, successful relationships among musicians, audiences, students, and partner organizations, and building a diverse community with a shared passion for performing, promoting, and appreciating the music of J.S. Bach and those he inspired. For more information about Bach Society of Minnesota, its performances, and concert tickets, visit www.bachsocietymn.org.

MATTHIAS MAUTE
Two-time JUNO Award winning conductor, composer, recorder, and flute soloist Matthias Maute has achieved an international reputation. In 2016 he was named artistic director of the Bach Society of Minnesota and in 2019 of the professional choir Ensemble vocal Arts-Québec. Impressed by his artistic approach, The New York Times described the orchestra he conducts in Montreal, Ensemble Caprice, as being “an ensemble that encourages the listener to rehear the world.” Maute’s recording of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos juxtaposed with Maute’s own arrangements of Preludes from Shostakovich’s Op. 87 was hailed by The New Yorker’s Alex Ross as standing out “for its fleet, characterful approach” and “its fresh, vibrant colors”. Matthias Maute’s compositions are published by Breitkopf & Härtel, Amadeus, Moeck and Carus. Maute’s 1st violin concerto was performed by soloist Mark Fewer with the St. John’s Symphony and with I Musici de Montréal. Matthias Maute has made some twenty recordings on the Analekta, Vanguard Classics, Bella Musica, Dorian, Bridge and ATMA Classique labels.

ORCHESTRA OF THE BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA

VIOLIN
Margaret Humphrey, concertmaster
Conor O’Brien
Miriam Scholz-Carlson
Marc Levine
Theresa Elliott
Marco Real-d’Arbelles

VIOLA
Steve Staruch
Cheryl Zylla

CELLO
Rebecca Humphrey
Tulio Rondón

BASS
Josh Schwalbach

FLUTE
Anita Rieder
Evan Fraser

OBOE
Kathryn Montoya
Luke Conklin
Sarah Bates-Kennard

BASSOON
Aaron Goler

TRUMPET
Roman Govolanov
Lena Console
Bob Rieder

TIMPANI
Peter Kogan

HARPSICHORD
Asako Hirabayashi

ORGAN
Bruce Jacobs

BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy C Fistler
President

Paula Goldstein
Vice President

Steven Savitt
Treasurer

Susan Doherty
Secretary

Jay Kurtz
Past President

Colin Aldis
Holly Fistler
Cléa Galhano
David Gilberstadt
Richard Helling
Karen Kustritz
Andrea Leap
Jonathan Morgan
Richard Resch

BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA STAFF
Matthias Maute
Artistic Director

Marcoantonio Real-d’Arbelles
Associate Artistic Director

Yunyue Liu
Executive Director

Laura Clapp
Marketing and Events Coordinator

Pam McCarthy-Kern
Public Relations

Laura Birlingmair
Graphic Designer

Rock Solid Agency
Web Developer

Sandy Moore
Grant Writer

Fiona Robinson
Accountant

For 55 years, VocalEssence has provided opportunities for singers from the Twin Cities area to create incredible music together and build connections as part of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota.

VocalEssence is known for introducing audiences to music and artists who are not yet known, often welcoming guest artists, composers, and conductors who are emerging, have unknown works, or represent a variety of cultures. Welcoming all members of the greater community, VocalEssence embodies the motto: Together We Sing.

VOCALESSENCE MISSION
VocalEssence draws upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music.

PHILIP BRUNELLE
Artistic Director and Founder
Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 55 years ago, is an internationally-renowned conductor, choral scholar, and visionary. Philip has conducted symphonies, choral festivals, and operas on six continents. He holds five honorary degrees, served 9 years as Vice President of IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music), and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by the governments of Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 2019, he was awarded the American Prize in Choral Conducting and, in 2020, was given the Honorary Member Award by the Society for American Music. Last fall Philip was appointed a National Arts Associate of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. Philip is also Organist-Choirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis. During the pandemic Philip recorded 300 “Musical Moments” which can be accessed at https:// www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ and his thoughts on music are at RenaissanceManpodcast.com. Philip and his wife Carolyn, a studio artist, have 3 children (Tim, Christopher and Elise) and 7 grandchildren.

G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III
Associate Artistic Director
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director, uses the power of the spoken word and song to foster community and inspire action among people of all ages and abilities. Phillip conducts festival choirs and leads workshops across the United States and beyond. He serves on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas and guides the ministries of worship, music, and the arts at Westwood Lutheran Church. An accomplished curator of multi-disciplinary community collaborations, Phillip is the Artistic Director of the University of Minnesota Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. The Minnesota Orchestra regularly engages Phillip to host their Young People’s Concerts and his online presence continues to grow as his pandemic livestream, Take 5 with GPS, recently reached the 500-episode milestone. The winner of numerous honors, including the ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and multiple Teacher of the Year awards, Phillip founded “Table for More” in the summer of 2020 to help organizations address issues related to innovation, equity, racial justice, and belonging in the arts. Phillip lives in St. Louis Park with his wife, Michelle, and their two children (Malachi and Lydia Grace).

ROBERT GRAHAM
Learning and Engagement Manager
Conductor, Vintage Voices
Robert Graham is the Learning and Engagement Manager at VocalEssence where he serves as the conductor for the VocalEssence Vintage Voices choirs, and oversees the renowned VocalEssence WITNESS School Program. Robert has a Master of Music degree in both vocal performance and choral conducting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a B.A. in vocal performance from Xavier University of Louisiana. Robert currently serves as a section leader of the adult choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, sings second tenor in the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, and also performs around the Twin Cities as a solo and chamber musician.

CASEY RAFN
Accompanist
Pianist Casey Rafn enjoys a varied career as a collaborative pianist both in the United States and abroad, in Europe and Latin America. He is a member of ‘Trés’, whose saxophone-piano trio was just nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album for their new album “Romance al Campesino Porteño.” Casey often collaborates in concert or recordings with members of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and University of Minnesota School of Music faculty. As a piano soloist he took top prizes at the International Liszt-Garrison Competition in Baltimore, has appeared with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and has taught at both the University of Minnesota School of Music and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts.

JOHN JENSEN
Accompanist, VocalEssence Vintage Voices
John Jensen received his music degrees in Southern California, where he attended Occidental College and University of Southern California. While there he free-lanced as a studio musician, playing on the Andy Williams show and touring the country with prominent singers through Columbia Artists Management. He moved to Iowa and taught for 15 years at Grinnell College as an artist-in-residence. In 1990, John moved to St. Paul and has played with VocalEssence, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. In November 2022, John appeared with the Yale Symphony Orchestra at Yale University to play and record a piano concerto by the late Paul Reale, for Naxos records (to be released in 2023).

VOCALESSENCE CHORUS
The VocalEssence Chorus is a group of talented and enthusiastic singers from many different walks of life, united by their love of singing and community. Performing a wide variety of musical styles, premiering new works, and sharing the stage with a diverse array of guest artists, the Chorus is a welcome home for singers who wish to continue making music throughout their adult lives.

VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have established an international reputation because of their extensive catalog of recordings and broad range of unique repertoire. This chamber choir, whose members hail from a wide variety of professions, is bound together by their skilled artistry to create what The Times of London has described as a “flawless” sound.

SOPRANO
Jennifer Bevington
Katie Boardman
Elsa Buck
Chloe Johnson
JoAnna Johnson
Kathryn Rupp
Mari Scott
Carey Shunskis

ALTO
Robin Joy Helgen
Patty Kramer
Audrey Lane-Getaz
Judith McClain Melander
Anna G Meek
Carolyn Nuelle
Kristina Rodel Sorum
Catherine Terres

TENOR
Peter Aldrich
Eli Baumgartner
Will Berendsen
Ben Brunnette
Jared Campbell
Robert J. Graham
Jonah Herzog
Phil Reilly

BASS
Joseph Ellickson
David Gindra
Joe Kastner
Erik Krohg
Nathan Petersen-Kindem
Dr. Michael P. Schmidt
Benjamin Shermock
Timothy Takach

VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities teenagers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and, encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Presenting music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society.

VOCALESSENCE VINTAGE VOICES
VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults. Guided by a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers for participation, these choirs sing to build community, combat loneliness and isolation, and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carolina Maranon-Cobos
President

Torrie Allen
Vice President

Daniel Fernelius
Secretary

Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien
Treasurer

Mary Ann Aufderheide
Anna Boyle
Tanya M. Bransford
Philip Brunelle
Ben Brunnette
Amber Cales
Mirella Ceja-Orozco
Margaret Chutich
Dan Dressen
Martha Driessen
Cassandra Garnett
Autumn Gurgel
Valton Henderson
Daniel Kantor
Lisa Merklin Lewis
Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed
Richard Neuner
Kristine Oberg
Jim Odland
Doug Parish
Joanne Reeck
G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Jeff Smith
Amanda Storm Schuster
Timothy C. Takach
Bob Thacker
Elizabeth Truesdell Smith

LIFETIME DIRECTORS
Ann Barkelew
Ann Buran
Art Kaemmer
Nikki Lewis
Mike McCarthy*
Dave Mona
Fred Moore
Don Shelby
Dorene Wernke

HONORARY DIRECTORS
Dominick Argento*
William Bolcom
Dave Brubeck*
Stewart Copeland
Aaron Copland*
Håkan Hagegård
Louise Heffelfinger*
Eskil Hemberg*
Betty Hulings*
Sigrid Johnson*
James Earl Jones
Garrison Keillor
Donald Mitchell*
Helmuth Rilling
John Rutter
Peter Schickele
Dr. André J. Thomas
Eric Whitacre
*In remembrance

VOCALESSENCE STAFF

ARTISTIC STAFF
Philip Brunelle
Artistic Director and Founder

G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Associate Artistic Director

Robert Graham
Learning and Engagement Manager | Conductor, Vintage Voices

Casey Rafn
Accompanist

John Jensen
Accompanist, Vintage Voices

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Azure Anderson
Executive Assistant

Mary Ann Aufderheide
Executive Director

Jeff Bina
Director of Finance and Operations

Rhiannon Fiskradatz
Learning and Engagement Manager

Laura Holst
Development and Marketing Associate

Emma Jirele Sandhurst
Learning and Engagement Manager

Ethan Johnson
Director of Artistic Operations

Amanda Timmer
Director of Marketing and Communications

Elissa Weller
Director of Development

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