This year marks 100 years of independence for Finland. Philip Brunelle (VocalEssence) and Mark Sedio (Central Lutheran) will fill you with LOTS of interesting stories and play music that will give you a rich understanding of Finland's choral music history. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of… Read More →
The 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the importance of the music of J.S. Bach celebrating this event is linked with Carol Barnett and her new "Bluegrass TeDeum". Join Philip Brunelle and composer Carol Barnett as they share their enthusiasm joining Bach to Bluegrass! In order to sign up for this session, you must… Read More →
Dream of a better wold as we pay tribute to the Harlem Renaissance, on the 100th anniversary of its birth, through the study of song, poetry, hip-hop, dance, and more. Join Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III (VocalEssence) and composer William (Bill) Banfield as they discuss the world premiere by VocalEssence of Bill's chamber… Read More →
Join Philip Brunelle (VocalEssence) and British composer John Rutter as they discuss some of John's favorite music for a cathedral, including his song cycle Feel the Spirit, which will be performed by VocalEssence at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on April 22. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of… Read More →
VocalEssence is celebrating its 50th anniversary! For the presentation, Philip Brunelle will present music from the opening concerts listed below. Two special guests will join him-singers who were part of VocalEssence from the beginning-Janis Hardy (who sang with Aaron Copland conducting) and Vern Sutton (who sang and directed the early musicals and operas presented). Lots… Read More →
VocalEssence is beginning its 51st season! There is an amazing amount of unique choral music to be explored - this session with Philip Brunelle will include music of Jake Runestad (with the composer present), as well as music from Denmark, Indonesia, France, Hungary and Ireland. Divine Light Performances Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 4-5:30 PM… Read More →
VocalEssence is beginning its 51st season! For the presentation, Philip Brunelle will present music from our Welcome Christmas concerts. Every year VocalEssence presents a varied, wonderful exploration of music for the Christmas season. This year's focus will be on music from Scandinavia and the USA. In order to sign up for this session, you must… Read More →
VocalEssence is opening its 54th season with the music of Felix Mendelssohn and his equally talented, but lesser known sister, Fanny. Join Philip Brunelle and special guest soloists, Maria Jette and Nicholas Chalmers as they present excerpts of music of both Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn that will be featured at The Mendelssohns concert. In order… Read More →
This program will explore styles of singing from around the world. With special guest Moira Smiley, renowned folk singer, VocalEssence artistic director Philip Brunelle will engage the audience as they explore oral traditions of singing from various parts of the world. It promises to be a lively and fascinating journey through the world of song!… Read More →
VocalEssence is beginning its 55th season, Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle will present a look at the October 29 opening concert, VocalEssence and the St. Olaf Choir, with guest composer Jocelyn Hagen and how music in many forms evokes memories. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of… Read More →
Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle will present a class on hope and a look at the music that will be featured at Hope Renewed, the closing concert of the 55th Season. Composer Kyle Pederson will join to discuss his new composition that will be featured on the concert. In order to sign up for… Read More →
Benny Andersson, of ABBA fame, composed a musical blending Sweden and Minnesota in a very moving way. This class will present the musical, its history and music performed by Kathryn Rupp and Clara Osowski, two of the leading soloists, with Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Artistic Director and founder, as emcee and pianist. In order to sign… Read More →
VocalEssence joins forces with a collective of Twin Cities-based artists presenting songs and stories centering on pivotal figures and landmark events of the Civil Rights Movement. Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will lead a lively and fascinating presentation bringing this legacy alive. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a… Read More →
Sir James MacMillan Sir James MacMillan, the leading British composer, will be in the Twin Cities for a week of concerts of his music. Renowned for his choral music Sir James (composer of the music for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II) will speak about his music, share recordings, and join Philip Brunelle for a… Read More →
Sarojini Naidu's poetry and Shruthi Rajasekar's music chronicles the Indian Independence Movement and a vision of unity for all residents in guiding our world's future. The work brings choir, orchestra, and Indian musicians together; the composer will present the work and her thoughts at the session in dialogue with Philip Brunelle. Shruthi Rajasekar is an… Read More →
