CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2019, Roseville
2019-12-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave. W., Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Roseville Lutheran Church beginning at 3 PM on Sunday.

God Jul! Celebrate a Nordic Christmas with carols from Sweden, Finland, and Norway, including the world premiere of Nordic Christmas—a suite of Norwegian carols arranged by Norway’s hot young composer, Kim André Arnesen—commissioned in honor of the 125th anniversary of Sons of Norway. Traverse the fjords and hear arrangements of carols you know, and fall in love with two new carols featuring violin as the Welcome Christmas Carol Contest celebrates its 22nd anniversary.
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Concert Series Subscription.
Program

Nordic Christmas by Kim André Arneson
Stephen was a stable boy by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi
Det är en ros utsprungen by Jan Sandström
Snow by Sigurd Lie
Miles and Miles by Justin Merritt
A Christmas Garland arranged by Conrad Susa (with audience singing)
In Silent Night by Mitchell Southall
Have You Seen the Baby Jesus? by Rosephanye Powell
O Little Town of Bethlehem by David Evan Thomas
Two new carol contest winners – SATB with violin

There will be a 20 minute intermission at this performance.
Performers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Chamber instrumental ensemble
Philip Brunelle, conductor
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Three Things to Know

In 2016, Kim André Arneson’s Cradle Hymn was performed at the White House for President Obama.
Since the Welcome Christmas Carol Contest began 21 years ago, VocalEssence has premiered 42 new carols at our Christmas concerts.
Every Welcome Christmas concert includes an audience sing of a familiar carol—get ready to sing your heart out!

CONCERT PROGRAM
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ve_fall_concertprogram2019_final_bdc0ce35b9d0a6
Listen

FAMILY: Together We Sing Festival 2020
2020-01-18 13:30 - 17:00 | Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Advanced registration is now closed. All are welcome! Walk up registration begins at 1 PM on Saturday.
IMPORTANT FESTIVAL Update:
Last updated Sat Jan 18 at 7am
The Together We Sing Festival on Saturday, January 18 from 1:30-5 PM will continue as scheduled. We understand that transportation to the Minnesota History Center may vary by person due to weather conditions in your area and will understand if you are unable to attend today’s event. Should you be able to make it today, know that an afternoon of fellowship through singing, service, and snacking is on to warm your spirits on this cold wintry day. Our biggest wish is for you to be well and stay warm, wherever you are.

“Come together…right now” and sing as we honor the musical legacy of Minnesota and the rich tapestry of voices who call it home. Enjoy a performance by future stars from our radically diverse youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, and give back to our community through a service project to benefit the Healthy Black Pregnancies initiative. You can learn more about the project and sponsor a Baby Care Package, by clicking here.
This event is free, with advance registration requested. Admission to the museum is optional and may be purchased separately through the Minnesota Historical Society.
Thank you to the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul for their support of this project!
Schedule

1-1:30 PM: Registration
1:30 PM: VocalEssence Singers Of This Age performance
2-5 PM: Workshops, Service Project, and Snacks

“The Man Behind the Dream” One Voice Mixed Chorus, Jane Ramseyer Miller, director
“Songs of First Ave and Beyond” G. Phillip Shoultz, III

Performers

One Voice Mixed Chorus
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
G. Phillip Shoultz, III

Three Things to Know

All ages welcome, and this is best enjoyed by children ages eight and up.
The 2019 attendees were thrilled with this event, with one participant noting, “I had no idea what to expect, and I was delighted in a million ways.”
Part of the event will include giving back to a local nonprofit. More information will be provided as we get closer to the event.

FAMILY: Moana Movie Sing-Along, 10 AM
2020-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States
This event is sold out.
Whether it is Moana, Maui, or even Hei Hei, “make way” for your favorite character on screen at a Moana movie sing-along led by members of our youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. Create a craft to take home and voyage into the castle for Moana treasures to win a prize. ASI Museum admission included. “You’re welcome!”
Tickets: Adults (18+) $15 / Child (0-17) FREE

Performers

Members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

Three Things to Know

All ages are welcome, and this is best enjoyed by children age 4 to 10.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voices Maui, comes from a long line of Samoan wrestlers. In fact, the appearance of Maui in the film was based on his grandfather.
When Moana wears red feathers, it symbolizes royalty. In Pacific Island cultures, red is a color of royalty, so it’s fitting that the daughter of a chief wears that bold, vibrant, and royal hue—especially for ceremonial occasions.

Listen

FAMILY: Moana Movie Sing-Along, 1 PM
2020-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States

CONCERT: Deep Roots
2020-02-23 16:30 - 18:30 | Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 55403, United States
Join us as we honor the deep musical roots from which VocalEssence WITNESS sprang 30 years ago. Guiding you on the journey through spirituals, jazz, gospel, and soul will be homegrown artists—singers, actors, dancers—including two-time Billboard Gospel chart-topper Jovonta Patton and a special 30th Anniversary Community Choir. Continuing our commitment to include new voices on stage, the concert will include a world premiere arrangement of the spiritual “Witness” by Joel Thompson.
Program

Performers

One Voice Mixed Chorus
Jane Ramseyer Miller, conductor
Mindy Eschedor, piano
Jovonta Patton
30th Anniversary Community Choir including members from Deliverance For Youth Reunion, MN State Baptist Convention Youth Choir (Treasures), and North Central Singers
VocalEssence Teaching Artists:

Timothy Berry
Patricia Brown
Brandon Commodore
Ginger Commodore
Karla Nweje
T. Mychael Rambo
Anita Ruth
Roxane Wallace

VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, & VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Mary Jo Gothmann. piano
Philip Brunelle, conductor
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Three Things to Know

In 1991, VocalEssence created WITNESS to celebrate the artistic contributions of African Americans to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage.
Throughout the years, the VocalEssence WITNESS program has featured artists such as Bobby McFerrin, James Earl Jones, Rita Dove, Billy Taylor, the Morehouse College Glee Club, Spelman College Glee Club, and Moore by Four.
A 50-minute version of this concert will be performed for more than 5,000 students grades K-12 on Monday, February 24, 2020.

Concert Program
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ve_springprogramwitness2020
Listen

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CANCELED: The Mendelssohns
2020-04-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Dr, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
As per the recommendation from Governor Walz as well as a desire to ensure the health and safety of all our performers and patrons, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 4th Mendelssohns performance. If you are a ticket buyer, click here to let us know your intentions for your tickets.

Musical talent often runs in families, and one of history’s most talented set of siblings were the Mendelssohns—Felix and Fanny. Connected by their extraordinary gifts and love for music, they developed a close relationship that endured from birth to death. Hear their music side-by-side in this celebration of Felix and Fanny’s marvelous musical creations.
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Concert Series Subscription.
Program

Psalm 42, Op. 42 by Felix Mendelssohn
Lobgesang by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel / 10 min
Solo songs by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel / 10 min
O Herbst by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
Schöne Fremde by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
Hymn of Praise mvt. 4 by Felix Mendelssohn / 40 min

Performers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Chamber Orchestra
Philip Brunelle, conductor
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Three Things to Know

Felix would submit his compositions to his big sister, and, taking her critical advice to heart, he regularly made the changes she suggested. It’s not surprising that Felix referred to Fanny as “Minerva,” likening her to the Roman goddess of wisdom.
Felix and Fanny were both gifted children. When Fanny was 13, she memorized all 24 Preludes from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier in less than a week. Hailed by many as a “second Mozart,” by age 15 Felix had written his first symphony for full orchestra.
During a tour to England, Felix had a private meeting with Queen Victoria. She loved his music dearly, and sang her favorite song of his, Italien, for the composer. When the queen finished singing, Felix had to confess it was not he, but Fanny who had written this song.

Concert Program
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ve_springprogrammendelssohns2020_final_nocrops
Listen

Adult Singer Auditions for 2020-2021 Season
2020-04-13 08:00 - 2020-05-16 17:00 | MN, United States
Due to the ongoing health emergency caused by the Coronavirus, we have transitioned to a virtual audition process for the 2020-21 season. These auditions are open now and will be accepted through May 16, 2020. Information on registration and the audition requirements can be found on our audition page: https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/performing-ensembles/sing-with-us/audition/

POSTPONED: Get Minnesota Singing Tour, Worthington
2020-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Memorial Auditorium, 714 13th Street, Worthington, MN, 56187, United States
This event is postponed. The new date will be announced here as soon as it is decided. Thank you for your patience.
Get your singing voices ready, Minnesota, VocalEssence is coming to you! Weaving a traditional concert and a community sing into one, this performance is going to make you tap your toes, clap your hands, and sing your heart out. Including favorites from the stage and screen, gospel, folk, classical, and pop music, there is a little something for everyone to love. Bring your outdoor voices!
Tickets on sale now.
Adults: $20/$25 at the Door
Child/College: $10/$15 at the Door
Family Package: Purchase 2 adult tickets and 1 child ticket to receive all other accompanying children’s tickets free.
Performers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Nation

Three Things to Know

VocalEssence will be bringing members from all three singing groups on tour – the first time ever!
Music will be well known and will include a songbook that communities can use long into the future.
A past Greater Minnesota tour audience member remarked about our tour, “That was the best performance I attended this year! I could relate to all of the music.”

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.

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends - Inaugural Episode
2020-04-30 19:00 - 19:30
Join us at 7 PM on Thursday, April 30th for the inaugural 30-minute episode of GPS & Friends! For more than 50 years, VocalEssence has connected with you with world-class artists, and now you can be inspired by their creativity and beauty from the comfort of your own home. Streamed live via Facebook and YouTube, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will showcase international artists who have a soft spot in their heart for VocalEssence. Hear what inspires them, watch them perform, and live chat with them throughout the episode. Miss the episode? Watch the archived episode anytime on our YouTube Channel.
Guest Artists
Special guests in this inaugural episode include vocal activist Melanie DeMore and jazz pianist and composer Laura Caviani.
Vocal activist Melanie DeMore
Jazz pianist and composer Laura Caviani

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends on May 7
2020-05-07 19:00 - 19:30
Join us at 7 PM on Thursday, May 7th for the 30-minute episode of GPS & Friends! For more than 50 years, VocalEssence has connected with you with world-class artists, and now you can be inspired by their creativity and beauty from the comfort of your own home. Streamed live via Facebook and YouTube, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will showcase international artists who have a soft spot in their heart for VocalEssence. Hear what inspires them, watch them perform, and live chat with them throughout the episode. Miss the episode? Watch the archived episode anytime on our YouTube Channel.
GUEST ARTISTS
Special guests in this episode include composer and performers Timothy Takach and Jocelyn Hagen.

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends
2020-05-14 19:00 - 19:30
Join us at 7 PM on Thursday, May 14th for the 30-minute episode of GPS & Friends! For more than 50 years, VocalEssence has connected with you with world-class artists, and now you can be inspired by their creativity and beauty from the comfort of your own home. Streamed live via Facebook and YouTube, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will showcase international artists who have a soft spot in their heart for VocalEssence. Hear what inspires them, watch them perform, and live chat with them throughout the episode. Miss the episode? Watch the archived episode anytime on our YouTube Channel.
GUEST ARTISTS
Jake Runestad, composer and conductor
Julio Morales, composer, conductor, and tenor

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable
2020-05-21 15:00 - 16:15
Join us for a Minnesota Roundtable where we share resources and guest speakers that will support emotional well-being, convey up to date and accurate science/health related information, help us explore and learn the most promising adaptive teaching practices/pedagogies, and present language/strategies for advocacy of our art form in education and community settings.
Zoom Information
To join by computer, click the button above. Please make sure to make note of the password. To join by phone, follow the information below.
Meeting ID: 980 7775 6921
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Share Your Concerns
To assist us in better addressing the concerns that may be on your mind, please take a moment to complete this Google form.
discussion topics
Cari Michaels
We are thrilled to have Cari Michaels join us to discuss mental well-being and coping strategies. Cari Michaels, MPH, is an Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota Extension Children, Youth & Family Consortium. She works in partnership with leaders across campuses and community organizations to promote mental well-being. Cari serves as editor of the Children’s Mental Health eReview, an online publication featuring current research and its implications for practice within varied settings. She encourages socio-ecological approaches to mental well-being through online educational tools, interdisciplinary collaboration and campus-community engagement.
Our second topic will be Singing our way into the Summer: Ideas and Strategies to end the year on a High Note! All of us, whether we teach K-12, work with church, community, or professional choirs, are looking to engage our singers in meaningful musical experiences as we head into summer. This will be an open sharing session, so come ready to brainstorming. We will divide into breakout rooms to exchange ideas and plans. Each group will take notes and present the ones with the most resonance to the full group of attendees.
Background
A day of new possibilities began on Monday, May 11 as representatives from ACDA-MN (Diane Heaney, Kristin Kivell, Paula Holmberg, and Stephanie Trump), and MMEA (Dan Hampton and Tonya Barnes) met together with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (St. Olaf College), Phillip Shoultz (VocalEssence), and Mary Ann Aufderheide (President, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and Executive Director of VocalEssence) to develop a plan to provide each of us with regular opportunities to gather. In the spirit of one Minnesota, we are committing to working together to share resources.
Partners

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends
2020-05-21 19:00 - 19:30
Join us at 7 PM on Thursday, May 21st for the 30-minute episode of GPS & Friends! For more than 50 years, VocalEssence has connected with you with world-class artists, and now you can be inspired by their creativity and beauty from the comfort of your own home. Streamed live via Facebook and YouTube, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will showcase international artists who have a soft spot in their heart for VocalEssence. Hear what inspires them, watch them perform, and live chat with them throughout the episode. Miss the episode? Watch the archived episode anytime on our YouTube Channel.
GUEST ARTISTS
Shruthi Rajasekar, composer, vocalist
Nirmla Rajasekar, performing musician, educator, composer

FAMILY: Voices Calling Concert
2020-05-30 14:00 - 15:15
Our hearts are grieving. We are sad for what is happening to our cities. We commit to do our part to fight injustice and to repair the damage that is happening around us.

Today is the day when we have scheduled our Voices Calling concert. We decided to leave the fate of the concert in the hands of the performers in VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. Below is what they told us when we asked them if they felt up to performing today

“I want to use today’s concert as a platform.”
“I want a chance to speak up and and speak out against injustices and violence.”
“I want to sing songs of healing and hope and also have a chance to help clean up our communities.”

Our concert will happen as planned today. If you are able to join us, please click the “Watch Now” button at 2 PM. We hope the concert will help to heal your heart and soothe your soul in these challenging times. After the concert, our singers plan to pitch in and help clean up our city, along with so many other committed volunteers. Stay safe, Minnesota. Our voices of peace, hope, and love are calling to you.

Description
Cheer on our young stars of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age as they finish their season strong! The online concert will feature live performances, special recognition of graduating seniors, and performance footage from the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age ACDA Regional Concert including an exciting joint performance of “Say Something” with Nation (Tim Takach and Jocelyn Hagen). These talented and charismatic high school singers will delight you with a blend of music that includes everything from classical to hip-hop, and they invite you into a world where music breaks down the walls that divide us.
This event is free to the public and will be available via YouTube.
Performers

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

Three Things to Know

All ages are welcome at this concert, and it is best enjoyed by children ages eight and up.
This is the third year of the radically diverse youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age that brings together high school students from across the Twin Cities metro area.
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age members not only work with VocalEssence artistic staff, but also with diverse, groundbreaking artists in our community including Emmy award-winning actor T. Mychael Rambo, Verve-winning spoken-word artist/arts educator Niles (Chadwick Phillips), Karen Charles and Threads Dance Company, and NBC’s The Voice contestant, Ashley DuBose.

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable, June 11
2020-06-11 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a Minnesota Roundtable where we share resources and guest speakers that will support emotional well-being, convey up to date and accurate science/health related information, help us explore and learn the most promising adaptive teaching practices/pedagogies, and present language/strategies for advocacy of our art form in education and community settings.
Zoom Information
To join by computer, click the button above. Please make sure to make note of the password. To join by phone, follow the information below.
Meeting ID: 980 7775 6921
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
past Roundtables
Cari Michaels’ wonderful presentation on Mental Health and Well Being: Strategies for Taking Care of Yourself can be viewed here. Please share this link and the information we heard far and wide with those in your sphere of care. Not only is this advice great for musicians, it’s applicable for people across the spectrum of interest, ability, and age. Our breakout room conversations yielded compelling dialogue that we have done our best to capture in these notes. Special thanks to Kristin and Wendy for taking the lead in organizing the notes into themes. We added hyperlinks within the document to things that might be of interest.
Background
A day of new possibilities began on Monday, May 11 as representatives from ACDA-MN (Diane Heaney, Kristin Kivell, Paula Holmberg, and Stephanie Trump), and MMEA (Dan Hampton and Tonya Barnes) met together with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (St. Olaf College), Phillip Shoultz (VocalEssence), and Mary Ann Aufderheide (President, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and Executive Director of VocalEssence) to develop a plan to provide each of us with regular opportunities to gather. In the spirit of one Minnesota, we are committing to working together to share resources.

Partners

Philip Brunelle to receive Chorus America Award
2020-06-12 14:00 - 15:00
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.” Watch Philip receive the award during their virtual Awards Celebration on Friday, June 12 at 2:00 pm. The live ceremony, hosted by Chorus America board chair and Choral Stream founder Brian Newhouse, will be publicly broadcast.

LIVESTREAM: Lifting Every Voice to Inspire Change
2020-06-21 16:00 - 17:00
This Father’s Day, gather your family and friends to sing for justice in a livestream with song leaders from coast to coast. Envisioned and created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, this event will be a joy-filled, family friendly celebration with songs that honor fathers and the father figures in all our lives and songs that demand our attention and call us into action.
“As a Black musician in a classical music scene mostly occupied by White people, I was searching for a vocational response to the recent resurgence of a systemic problem–violence against my (Black) people, ” said G. Phillip Shoultz, III. “I created this event in partnership with Black leaders in our community and leaders of our nation’s most prominent singing organizations as a way to honor Black fathers and father figures, celebrate Black families, and stand in solidarity as we demand justice and an end to systemic racism. I want to see 10,000 people singing together this Father’s Day. As a father to two young children, I can think of no better way to spend the day.”
Phillip has engaged rockstar song leaders from each corner of the United States (Melanie DeMore in Oakland, Jason Max Ferdinand in Huntsville, Alysia Lee in Baltimore, and Phillip in Minneapolis). In addition to singing, enjoy extraordinary featured performances from:

The Aeolians of Oakwood University, named the “2017 Choir of the World” in the World Choir Games;

EXIGENCE, a Sphinx professional vocal ensemble highlighting artistry within Black and Latinx communities;
Jovonta Patton, two-time Billboard Gospel chart-topper.

This event is a part of the VocalEssence commitment to advance inclusion, access, and equity. Read more about our commitment and our work online.
Donate to AALF
This event is in partnership with the Minneapolis-based African American Leadership Forum (AALF), a nonprofit comprised of over 1,500 African Americans who volunteer their time, talents and treasure to support our mission to build a just society that works well for everyone. AALF is currently serving as a hub organization that is directing funds designated for Economic Recovery to Black-led organizations for dispersement. Donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/African-American-Leadership-Forum
Song Leaders

Melanie DeMore
Jason Max Ferdinand
Alysia Lee
G. Phillip Shoultz, III

Presented by
VocalEssence WITNESS Advisory Council

GALA: VocalEssence Gala 2020
2020-07-21 19:00 - 20:00
The auction is now open! Click “Watch and Bid” to access the event site!
Raise your voice for our community at the online VocalEssence Gala 2020—Better Together. Celebrate all the ways we are better together through the great programs we offer, especially honoring the VocalEssence WITNESS 30th Anniversary. VocalEssence will be joined by special guests from past and present showcasing the work we do building community through song. Bid in the online auction, and raise your glass to toast VocalEssence! Together we sing!
Free to Watch, Bid, and Give
The VocalEssence Online Auction goes live on Thursday, July 16 and will run through the event on Tuesday, July 21. Spice up your life in this new age by bidding on local getaways, giftcards to delicious restaurants, and spirits packages from our friends at Haskell’s. It is free to register, watch, bid, and give!
VocalEssence Gala 2020 Sponsors
Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation

VocalEssence Gala 2020 Table SPONSORS AND Hosts
Steve Aggergaard and Lana Rosario
Mary Ann Aufderheide
Ann Barkelew
Carline Bengtsson, Dine4Dinners
John and Sheila Bjorklund
Carol Brandenburg
Philip and Carolyn Brunelle
Greg and Lisa Buck
Ann Buran, Ginny Buran and Dwayne Cody
Marilyn Carlson Nelson
Margaret Chutich and Penny Wheeler
Dan Dressen and Beth Comeaux
Vincent and Martha Driessen
Judy Drobeck and Jennifer Vickerman
Jack and Cathy Farrell
Dan Fernelius and Taylor Putz
Tim and Jocelyn Hagen Takach
Dr. Art Kaemmer
Dr. Reatha Clark King
Mark and Susan Larson
Nicolai Lewis
The Links
Lee Lynch and Terry Saario
Kay and Mike McCarthy
Robert and Polly McCrea and Cassidy McCrea Burns
Dave and Linda Mona
Fred and Ann Moore
Richard and Nancy Nelson
Richard Neuner and Laura Kinkead
Nick Peter
Douglas and Mary Platt
Gale Sharpe
G. Phillip and Michelle Shoultz, Westwood Lutheran Church
Jean Thomson
Jenny Wade
Alan and Dorene Wernke
Event sponsors listed as of March 2, 2020.

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable, August 6
2020-08-06 10:00 - 11:30
Join us on Thursday, August 6 to for an online rehearsal demonstration to prepare you for fall rehearsals. Save the date for our next roundtable on Aug. 20: Race, Advocacy, and Equity: Quanice G. Floyd, founder and director, Arts Administrators of Color Network.
Zoom Information
https://stolaf.zoom.us/j/98077756921?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 980 7775 6921
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Background
A day of new possibilities began on Monday, May 11 as representatives from ACDA-MN (Diane Heaney, Kristin Kivell, Paula Holmberg, and Stephanie Trump), and MMEA (Dan Hampton and Tonya Barnes) met together with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (St. Olaf College), Phillip Shoultz (VocalEssence), and Mary Ann Aufderheide (President, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and Executive Director of VocalEssence) to develop a plan to provide each of us with regular opportunities to gather. In the spirit of one Minnesota, we are committing to working together to share resources.

Partners

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable, August 20
2020-08-20 10:00 - 11:30
Join us on Thursday, August 20 for a roundtable on Race, Advocacy, and Equity with special guest Quanice G. Floyd, founder and director, Arts Administrators of Color Network.
Zoom Information
https://stolaf.zoom.us/j/98077756921?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 980 7775 6921
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Background
A day of new possibilities began on Monday, May 11 as representatives from ACDA-MN (Diane Heaney, Kristin Kivell, Paula Holmberg, and Stephanie Trump), and MMEA (Dan Hampton and Tonya Barnes) met together with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (St. Olaf College), Phillip Shoultz (VocalEssence), and Mary Ann Aufderheide (President, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and Executive Director of VocalEssence) to develop a plan to provide each of us with regular opportunities to gather. In the spirit of one Minnesota, we are committing to working together to share resources.
Partners

VocalEssence On Demand 2020-2021 Season
2020-09-30 - 2021-06-30 | VocalEssence On Demand
VocalEssence is delighted to announce our 2020-2021 season, broadcast in high-definition video to our new website—VocalEssence On Demand. VocalEssence On Demand allows you to watch as much as you want, whenever you want—all for one low price of $49.

Stunning Originals: VocalEssence will premiere eight new performances from October 2020 to June 2021. Featuring stunningly clear audio and crisp, high-quality video, these performances will provide intimate and engaging concert experiences that are the next best thing to attending events in person. To learn more about the performances, click the concert names under “Yours to Enjoy—Anytime, Anywhere.”
Convenient & Flexible: VocalEssence On Demand gives you the flexibility to watch high-definition performances when they premiere OR, once released, when it’s most convenient for you. Play, pause, rewind, and fast-forward your favorite performances on your schedule.
VIP Concert Experience: Receive printed concert programs at your door and live chat during the premiere. In addition, when we are able to meet in person again, you will get the first chance to purchase in-person tickets—at a discount!
Exclusive Extras: Enjoy Master Classes with Artistic Director Philip Brunelle, behind the scenes interviews with guest artists, and past concert releases from the VocalEssence Vault.
Family Fun: Sign on for enjoyment for the whole family, starring Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III and members of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. For littles, Phillip Shoultz has also created Story & Song—a video series with local authors designed to spark curiosity and inspire empathy in preschoolers and beyond.

2020-2021 Season Brochure
Want to see all of the programs in one place? View the season brochure in a new window, or download it to your device.
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ondemandseason_v200

Still have questions? What have answers!
Click the button below to learn more about VocalEssence On Demand before subscribing.
VocalEssence On Demand FAQs

COVID-19 Discount
Are you an essential worker? Have you been adversely affected by COVID-19? As a small show of our heartfelt gratitude for your bravery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering you a FREE VocalEssence On Demand subscription for the 2020-2021 Season. Click below to learn more and receive your discount.
Receive FREE Subscription

CONCERT: Rightfully Hers
2020-10-18 - 2021-06-30 | VocalEssence On Demand
Commemorating  100 years  of women’s voices through song
Join us for a special online musical event to commemorate the passing of the 19th Amendment—a critical milestone in the centuries-long struggle to let the voices of women be heard. VocalEssence lifts up those voices through music composed by women from the past 100 years—including Mabel Daniels, Alice Parker, Rosephanye Powell, and Jocelyn Hagen—who took the risk and shared their dreams. Guiding us on the journey will be acclaimed actor Sally Wingert and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers.
Tickets

Tickets are currently available as a single stream or as part of a VocalEssence On Demand 2020-2021 Subscription.
You also have the option to purchase a gift certificate for this stream to give access to someone else.

PLEASE NOTE: The Buy Stream button will take you to the Minnesota Orchestra system to purchase your stream. When you have completed your order, you will receive an email confirmation from the Minnesota Orchestra with a link to set up your login to VocalEssence On Demand.
Concert Preview

Concert Program

FAMILY: Imagine
2020-11-28 - 2021-06-30 | VocalEssence On Demand
Im·ag·ine
/iˈmajən/
verb
1.  form a mental image or concept of.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.”
—Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist
Discover beauty in diversity, and imagine a world where the spirit of kindness, generosity, and love for our neighbors lives in us all year. Join the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III as they usher in the season of hope and love through songs, spoken word, and poetry from winter celebrations around the world, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Hmong New Year, Kwanzaa, and Las Posadas.
Tickets

Tickets are currently available as a single stream or as part of a VocalEssence On Demand 2020-2021 Subscription.
You also have the option to purchase a gift certificate for this stream to give access to someone else.

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Series
This performance is part of a series of four performances by our intentionally diverse youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. Learn more about the programs by clicking here.
Watch Imagine Preview

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2020
2020-12-06 - 2021-06-30 | VocalEssence On Demand
Behold the wonder of Christmas with familiar favorites
Behold the wonder of the season from the comfort of your home. For more than five decades, VocalEssence has welcomed Christmas. This December curl up by the fire and let Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III warm your heart with the sounds of Christmases past and present in new performances by the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers. Dust off your singing voice and join us in beloved carols that will surely get you in the Christmas spirit.
Tickets

Tickets are currently available as a single stream or as part of a VocalEssence On Demand 2020-2021 Subscription.
You also have the option to purchase a gift certificate for this stream to give access to someone else.

PLEASE NOTE: The Buy Stream button will take you to the Minnesota Orchestra system to purchase your stream. When you have completed your order, you will receive an email confirmation from the Minnesota Orchestra with a link to set up your login to VocalEssence On Demand.
Performers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Series
This performance is part of a series of four performances by our Chorus & Ensemble Singers. Learn more about the programs by clicking here.
Concert Promo Video

Concert Program

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FAMILY: Story & Song, Episode 1
2020-12-12 - 2021-06-30 | VocalEssence YouTube Channel
When the weather gets cold, spend time inside with us. Story & Song is a FREE video series designed especially for preschool kids and older to create a positive sense of self, spark curiosity, and inspire empathy while celebrating the multitude of cultures in our community. Created by Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, each 20-minute episode features a book and a song, as well as a visit from an author.
Episodes will be released four times and will be available to stream anytime, anywhere from the VocalEssence YouTube Channel. All episodes are available with closed captioning in English and Spanish.

LIVE STREAM: Take 5 with GPS
2020-12-15 09:00 - 2021-01-13 09:05
Take 5 With GPS is a daily live stream hosted by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Every morning, start your day off with Phillip (who we call GPS) for 5 minutes of singing and 5 minutes of inspiration. Join Phillip to sing each and every day. Take 5 will include wellness components, poems, and, of course, SONG. It’s a time for centering, reflecting, and being grateful, and an opportunity to watch and follow along at home.
Join us live on YouTube or Facebook at 9 AM, or watch the archived version on our YouTube Channel after the stream.

VIDEO: Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle
2020-12-15 12:00 - 2021-01-13 12:30
To add joy to your lunchtime and a little insider information about composers, Philip Brunelle is hosting Musical Moments—celebrating the composers who have been central to the success of both VocalEssence and Plymouth Congregational Church. These videos are shared via Facebook every week day. See the archive of all of the videos on the Plymouth Congregational Church YouTube page by clicking the Watch Videos button.

TV: Welcome Christmas on TPT Life Channel
2020-12-19 19:00 - 20:00 | TPT Life
This year, the Welcome Christmas concert will available on demand on our website AND will be televised across Minnesota on Twin Cities PBS (TPT) three times during the peak of the holiday season, and making it available to stream on their family of platforms. Relevant dates include:

December 19th: Welcome Christmas becomes available to stream on Tpt.org, PBS.org, and the PBS video app.
December 19th: Welcome Christmas broadcast at 7 PM on TPT Life
December 20th: Welcome Christmas broadcast at 8 PM on TPT MN
December 24th: Welcome Christmas broadcast at 10 PM on TPT 2

Concert Promo Video

Concert Program

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TV: Welcome Christmas on TPT MN Channel
2020-12-20 20:00 - 21:00 | TPT MN

Christmas Eve Sing-Along with GPS
2020-12-24 18:30 - 18:45 | YouTube
Gather the family (in person and virtually) and join Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III for a LIVE special Christmas Eve edition of Take 5 with GPS. Usher in the magic by singing “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night,” and listen to the classic Christmas story The Night Before Christmas illustrated by Rachel Isadora.
Join us via YouTube or Facebook Live, or click the link above to join as the event gets closer.
