In the Community

Black-Owned Business and Artist Showcase

At this year’s WITNESS: Leading with Love concert, VocalEssence was thrilled to feature a showcase of Black makers and entrepreneurs who align themselves with the message of “leading with love.” Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall was bustling with activity on the day of the event. There were book readings, songs sung, improv comedy skits performed,…

Healing Beats Sessions

“Telling our stories takes time and space.”—Healing Beats Session Participant “We are all connected. We are all ancestors.”—Healing Beats Session Participant Over the past few months VocalEssence held Healing Beats Sessions led by Melanie DeMore at five sites around the Twin Cities. Melanie DeMore has expertise in the traditions of the Gullah persons from the…

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Joined Twin Cities Choirs for Reconcile 

On Saturday, October 29, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) had the opportunity to perform an inspiring evening of music at Reconcile: Singing Hope Into the World.  VESOTA was joined by the Prince of Peace Celebration Choir, Minnesota Saints Chorale, A Cappella Choir from Westwood Lutheran Church, and special guest Joe Davis, who is an…

Philip Brunelle Named 2020 Chorus America Distinguished Artist

VocalEssence is thrilled to announce that Philip Brunelle has been selected for this year’s Chorus America Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes a member whose long-term service to the choral field significantly furthers Chorus America’s mission “to empower singing ensembles to create vibrant communities and effect meaningful change.” https://www.chorusamerica.org/node/13581

100 Baby Care Packages for Minnesota Babies

VocalEssence and the Healthy Black Pregnancies initiative are teaming up to give 100 new babies a birthday gift – their very own Baby Care Package. Each package costs $40, and we need your help to purchase supplies for 100 babies. A donation of any amount is appreciated! Click Here to Give a Birthday Gift Each…  Read More

Celebrate MLK Weekend with VESOTA

Come and celebrate the incredible legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with our radically diverse youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA). See below for more information. Together We Sing Festival Date/Time: Saturday, January 18,2020 from 1:30-5 PM Location: Minnesota History Center, Saint Paul Cost: Free, but registration required More Information: https://www.vocalessence.org/event/family-together-we-sing-festival-2020/…  Read More

VocalEssence Vintage Voices Season Begins at Three Senior Centers

There are a lot of exciting opportunities in store for the VocalEssence Vintage Voices singers during the 2019-2020 season! Rehearsals have kicked off for the Park Singers at Parkshore Senior Community in Saint Louis Park, where 40 participating singers are working together to prepare a concert of folk songs, spirituals, doo wop, Broadway hits, and…  Read More