VocalEssence

Subscribe: VocalEssence 2021-2022 Season
2021-08-23 10:00 - 2022-03-04 08:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
MUSIC Moves Us
Subscribe and join VocalEssence for an exuberant return to the concert hall for our 2021-2022 Season as we explore the ways music moves us. From partnerships with Minnesota Dance Theatre, Bach Society of Minnesota, and The Aeolians of Oakwood University to thrilling premieres of works by Stewart Copeland of British hitmakers The Police and rising star Gabriel Kahane, this season gives us many reasons to rejoice—together! Concert Series Subscribers save 30% over single tickets, and you can select any three, four, five, or all six season concerts to subscribe.
SUBSCRIBER Benefits

$28 tickets: A savings of 30% off the $40 single ticket price!
Flexible and free ticket exchanges.
Subscriber priced tickets to share with friends and family.
Priority seating at concerts.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Updates
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. These protocols are subject to change based on changing conditions. Please check the following page for updates: vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.
Stay tuned for our digital options.
Thank you to our season sponsors

CANCELED: VocalEssence Presents: The Aeolians
2022-02-28 19:00 - 20:15 | North Community High School, 1500 James Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
This concert is canceled
VocalEssence is canceling the February 28 performance with The Aeolians of Oakwood University at North High School in Minneapolis in an effort to limit exposure to the high levels of community spread of the coronavirus variant.
The Aeolians will still be with us for WITNESS: Rejoice! on Sunday, March 6 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. And we encourage you to join us as The Aeolians will perform a 40 minute solo set and join with the VocalEssence Chorus and Singers Of This Age in a joyful affirmation the Black experience featuring toe-tapping gospel, powerful spirituals, choral symphonic masterworks by Nathaniel Dett and Adolphus Hailstork, and much more.

CONCERT: WITNESS 2022: Rejoice!
2022-03-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 55403, United States
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Affirm Black joy and resilience
The Aeolians, a world-renowned choir from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, an Historically Black College and University, are giving us so many reasons to “Rejoice.” Named the “2017 Choir of the World” at the World Choir Games, The Aeolians inspire audiences to stand up and cheer for more, whether singing the music of Bach, spirituals, or 21st century masterpieces. The Aeolians join the VocalEssence Chorus and Singers Of This Age in a program that affirms Black joy and resilience through the music of Nathaniel Dett, Adolphus Hailstork, and many others highlighting the rich array of music from the Black experience.
Tickets

Tickets are also available as part of a 2021-2022 Season Subscription.

Performers

The Aeolians of Oakwood University
VocalEssence Chorus
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Roderick George, tenor
Jason Max Ferdinand, conductor
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
Orchestra

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. To view our current safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.
Concert Program

Thanks to our Sponsors

TOUR: Bob Dylan Revisited Tour, Detroit Lakes, MN
2022-04-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN, 56501, United States
VocalEssence sings the music of Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s timeless music has been covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet. Now it’s time to add a choir to the list. Join VocalEssence singers as they reimagine Dylan in The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan, commissioned in honor of his 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature and arranged by Steve Hackman. Kick back and hear Dylan’s music like it’s the first time. Each concert will open with a performance by a local choir.
Tickets
Tickets on sale now.
Adults: $25
Students: $12.50
Performers

VocalEssence
Small instrumental ensemble
Philip Brunelle, conductor

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. To view our current safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

TOUR: Bob Dylan Revisited Tour, Grand Rapids, MN
2022-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Reif Performing Arts Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
VocalEssence sings the music of Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s timeless music has been covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet. Now it’s time to add a choir to the list. Join VocalEssence singers as they reimagine Dylan in The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan, commissioned in honor of his 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature and arranged by Steve Hackman. Kick back and hear Dylan’s music like it’s the first time. Each concert will open with a performance by a local choir.
Tickets
Tickets on sale now.
Performers

VocalEssence
Small instrumental ensemble
Philip Brunelle, conductor

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. To view our current safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

CONCERT: Choosing Love
2022-04-24 16:00 - 17:30 | Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
ADVANCE TICKET SALES FOR THIS CONCERT ARE NOW CLOSED. TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR BEGINNING AT 3PM.
Embracing the beloved community
Through singing, movement, spoken word, and visual art, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and guest artists invite us to envision a world where we listen to and learn from each other. This concert affirms our belief that every person is worthy of acceptance. It is a call, in the midst of it all, to choose love. Choosing Love features new choral standards and co-created original works marking the artistic culmination of a year of conversations and learning.
Tickets

Tickets are also available as part of a 2021-2022 Season Subscription.

Performers

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. To view our current safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.
Concert Program
To view the digital concert program, click the button below.
Concert Program
Thanks to our Sponsors

TOUR: Bob Dylan Revisited Tour, Red Wing, MN
2022-04-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States

Community Sing with Stewart Copeland
2022-05-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Huntington® Bank Rotunda at Mall of America, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Together we sing THE music of The Police
Join legendary rock drummer Stewart Copeland along with VocalEssence conductors, Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III, as they lead a sing along featuring music of The Police including the following favorites: Every Breath You Take, Don’t Stand So Close To Me, and Message in a Bottle. Copeland won’t be on the drum set this time, but he’ll help introduce us to some of your favorite hits from one of your favorite bands. Bring your outdoor voice and get ready to ROCK. No experience necessary.
This event is FREE.

Pre-Concert Talk: Satan's Fall
2022-05-08 15:00 - 15:30 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Join us for a concert conversation with composer Stewart Copeland and Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle.

CONCERT: Satan's Fall
2022-05-08 16:00 - 17:45 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
ADVANCE TICKET SALES FOR THIS CONCERT ARE NOW CLOSED. TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR BEGINNING AT 2:30 PM.

Legendary rock drummer and film composer Stewart Copeland imagines John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost”
Join the VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers and Orchestra, along with celebrated tenor Nathan Granner and dexterous soprano Jamie Chamberlin, in the regional premiere of “Satan’s Fall,” a new composition by Stewart Copeland. The work, based on Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” tells the story of Satan’s darkness, insurrection, and eventual fall from grace. Presented in the magnificent Central Lutheran sanctuary with stage direction by Theater Latté Da founder Peter Rothstein. Stewart Copeland will be in attendance for a pre-concert talk.
Tickets

Tickets are also available as part of a 2021-2022 Season Subscription.

Performers

VocalEssence Chorus
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Jamie Chamberlin, soprano
Nathan Granner, tenor
Philip Brunelle, conductor
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Program

Listen
Enjoy a preview from the world premiere of “Satan’s Fall” in the video below.

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. To view our current safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates.

CONCERT: Sabathani Vintage Voices
2022-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Sabathani Community Center Auditorium, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
THE Sabathani vintage voices PRESENT “SO MANY REASONS TO REJOICE!”
The Sabathani Vintage Voices will perform a spring concert centered around the theme of “So Many Reasons to Rejoice!” The singers will share messages of hope for the future and celebrate our resilience in overcoming the many hardships brought on by the COVID-19 and racial pandemics impacting our communities. Through song and spoken word, the singers will inspire our audience to share love and peace with one another as we stand together in community.
free and open to the public
Masks required the entire time indoors.
For more information, call Sabathani Community Center at 612-821-2300.

Subscribe: VocalEssence 2022-2023 Season
2022-06-27 08:00 - 2023-02-24 17:00 | MN

VocalEssence Gala 2022
2022-09-24 17:30 - 22:00 | Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Save the date for the VocalEssence Gala: Celebration of Song on the evening of Saturday, September 24, 2022! Stay tuned for more details on the event, where we are thrilled to be able to return to in-person celebrating to benefit the VocalEssence Learning & Engagement Programs. See below for more details.
Event Sponsorships & TABLE HOSTS
Click here to learn about event sponsorship and table host opportunities.
Silent Auction
Bidding in the online auction is now open! CLICK the button below!
REGISTER AND START BIDDING
The VocalEssence Gala offers a unique and entertaining auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences, dining opportunities, and fun and unique items to take home. To have an item considered for donating, please fill out our Auction Donation Form.
Guest Experience
Click here for information on what to wear, what to expect, the menu, and parking information.
VocalEssence is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our venues. Visit our COVID Protocol Page to see current information.
If you are interested in helping to plan or sponsor this wonderful event, please contact Elissa Weller at 612-547-1452 or by email.

OLLI CLASS: The Mendelssohns
2022-10-13 14:30 - 16:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
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 to sign up for this session, you must be a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Click the button below to learn more and sign up.
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP
Interested in purchasing tickets to The Mendelssohns? Click the button below.
BUY TICKETS

CONCERT: The Mendelssohns
2022-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Dr, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States

CONCERT: Montserrat Boy Choir
2022-11-11 19:30 - 21:00 | The Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States

VINTAGE VOICES: Sabathani Vintage Voices Fall Concert
2022-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Sabathani Community Center Auditorium, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Come and experience the sounds of the Sabathani Vintage Voices of the Sabathani Senior Center in No Place Like Home!, an exciting and heartfelt program of songs and spoken word that remind us of the special places in our lives. Free and open to the public.
Sabathani Community Center, Inc. Senior Center is a partner of the VocalEssence Vintage Voices program, an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in residential assisted living communities and senior centers. Click here for more information.
VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will not be performing on this concert.

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2022, Minneapolis 7:30 PM
2022-12-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Northrop, University of Minnesota, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2022, Minneapolis 4 PM
2022-12-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Northrop, University of Minnesota, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States

CONCERT: WITNESS: Reawakening Love
2023-02-26 16:00 - 18:30 | Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 55403, United States

EVENT: Sing Your Change Block Party, Saint Paul
2023-04-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E, Saint Paul, MN, 55107, United States

CONCERT: Change Sings 2 PM
2023-04-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Capri Theater, 2027 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States

CONCERT: Change Sings 4:30 PM
2023-04-22 16:30 - 18:00 | Capri Theater, 2027 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States

EVENT: Sing Your Change Block Party, Minneapolis
2023-04-23 16:00 - 18:00 | MN

OLLI CLASS: Singing the World Awake
2023-05-11 14:30 - 16:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
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!

In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Click the button below to learn more and sign up.
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP
Interested in purchasing tickets to Singing the World Awake? Click the button below.
BUY TICKETS

Subscribe: VocalEssence 2023-2024 Season
2023-05-12 08:00 - 2024-02-04 17:00 | MN

CONCERT: Singing the World Awake
2023-05-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States

Vintage Voices: Journey On, My Friends!
2023-06-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Sabathani Community Center Auditorium, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Come and experience the sounds of the Sabathani Vintage Voices of the Sabathani Senior Center in Journey On, My Friends!, a concert filled with songs, poems, and reflections that will remind us to embrace life’s journey with all its ups and downs through the power of music. Free and open to the public.
Click the button below to read more about this concert and the Sabathani Vintage Voices in a blog post titled, Uniting Through Music: The Sabathani Vintage Voices’ June Concert featured on the Sabathani Community Center website.
UNITING THROUGH MUSIC: SABATHANI VINTAGE VOICES’ JUNE CONCERT
Sabathani Community Center, Inc. Senior Center is a partner of the VocalEssence Vintage Voices program, an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in residential assisted living communities and senior centers. Click here for more information.
VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will not be performing on this concert.

Event: Let Freedom Ring: The 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
2023-08-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Northrop, University of Minnesota, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States

OLLI CLASS: VocalEssence and the St. Olaf Choir
2023-10-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
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 the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Click the button below to learn more and sign up.
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP
Interested in purchasing tickets to VocalEssence and the St. Olaf Choir? Click the button below.
BUY TICKETS
