Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has had a whirlwind summer (nothing unusual!) beginning in early June with a trip to New York City meeting with Nico Muhly, composer of the new cantata being written for our Welcome Christmas concerts. The visit also included meetings with several composers and interviews about the upcoming 50th anniversary season. Then… Read More →
VocalEssence is pleased to announce the following winners of the 21st annual VocalEssence Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who applied. Sponsored by the American Composers Forum and VocalEssence, the contest is open to composers of all ages, and this season composers were asked to write a carol… Read More →
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have been invited to join the legendary Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería (OSM) in Mexico City from August 26 through September 2 for a cross-cultural celebration to mark the orchestra’s 40th anniversary and the 50th season of VocalEssence. VocalEssence will be performing with the Coro de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería and soloists… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III have wrapped up the 49th concert subscription series, but have one concert left – celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Program. Join us for the celebration at The Ordway on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. The two are also beginning auditions—every year the members… Read More →
VocalEssence connects senior citizens with the social and mental health benefits of group singing through its Vintage Voices program. VocalEssence Vintage Voices meets seniors on their own turf, providing choral instruction at senior centers and residences. This spring, the program is sponsoring choirs at three different locations: Trillium Woods in Plymouth, Sabathani Senior Center in… Read More →
In preparation for the Rutter Returns concert on Saturday, April 21, 2018, VocalEssence Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle answered a few questions about John Rutter. When did you first learn about John Rutter (and his music)? I have always been curious about discovering composers new to me from all over the world. It was early in the… Read More →
Spring holds so many incredible musical moments for the VocalEssence team, with new and old voices joining in! Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III and his family are delighted to announce they welcomed a new member—Lydia Grace. Born on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:13 am, Lydia joins brother Malachi (4). Check out the VocalEssence Facebook… Read More →
VocalEssence was thrilled to kick off Super Bowl Live on Friday, January 26, 2018 on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis with guest artists Idina Menzel and Esera Tuaolo. Enjoy this clip of members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers performing a Minnesota medley for the crowd. Thank you to the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee for the… Read More →
While the busy holiday season is behind them, the new year holds plenty of exciting projects for our in-demand conductors, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Our Ensemble Singers are putting the final polish on their preparations for the Super Bowl LIVE kickoff concert. Philip Brunelle is leading them in… Read More →
Need to cross a few more names off your holiday list? VocalEssence has concert tickets sure to thrill the music lovers in your life—after all, experiences make the best gifts! More options: Give the gift of music with a recording of recent performances, or honor your loved one by sponsoring a student seat in their… Read More →
Our brand new choir made up of local high school students has a holiday gift to share—check out the video above to hear their incredible performance of “Deck the Halls.” The young singers have been hard at work learning to perform as a unified chorus, and will celebrate their inaugural concert at VocalEssence WITNESS: Of Such… Read More →
December is a music-filled month for our hard-working conductors, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. They led performers in introducing a new generation of choral music fans to holiday carols in the sold out Star of Wonder concerts, and carried on a beloved tradition with the Welcome Christmas concert series.… Read More →
VocalEssence is thrilled to announce that it has been tapped to kick off the Super Bowl Live festivities in Minneapolis. This January, in a kick-off event leading up to Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers will perform a 20 minute set on Nicollet Mall before Idina Menzel, Tony Award-Winner and… Read More →
Following the very successful and sold out Bach & Bluegrass Jamboree performance, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III led performers in recording selections to be included in a new cd titled Mortals & Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deum that will be available on December 1, 2017. Both conductors will be busy at… Read More →
It is concert week for the VocalEssence Vintage Voices programs at Parkshore Senior Community in St. Louis Park and Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley. Both choirs have been working hard with conductor Rob Graham and accompanist John Jensen. The Vintage Voices program from VocalEssence brings the many benefits—physical, psychological, and social—of choral participation to older… Read More →
