VocalEssence

Philip Brunelle to receive Chorus America Award
2020-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
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.

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable, June 11
2020-06-11 10:00 - 11:30 | MN
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

FAMILY: Voices Calling Concert
2020-05-30 14:00 - 15:15 | MN
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.

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends
2020-05-21 19:00 - 19:30 | MN
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

EVENT: Music Lives Here, A Minnesota Roundtable
2020-05-21 15:00 - 16:15 | MN
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
2020-05-14 19:00 - 19:30 | MN
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

LIVE STREAM: GPS & Friends on May 7
2020-05-07 19:00 - 19:30 | MN
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 - Inaugural Episode
2020-04-30 19:00 - 19:30 | MN
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

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.

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/

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

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

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
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, 10 AM
2020-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States

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.

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2019, Roseville
2019-12-15 16:00 - 18:00 | 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

TOUR: Welcome Christmas 2019, Rochester
2019-12-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, United States
Thanks to the Rochester Chamber Music Society, VocalEssence is taking our Welcome Christmas performance on the road to Rochester, Minnesota! 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.
Please join us! This event is free and open to the public.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund, and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

FAMILY: Winter Wonder, 1 PM
2019-12-14 13:00 - 14:15 | Reception Hall, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Mia beginning at 12:30 PM on Saturday.

Deck the hall with VocalEssence at this hands-on holiday event. Clap, wiggle, and sing along to your favorite holiday classics, and try your hand at creating a winter-themed craft to take home. Sit up close and experience the wonder of singing together (maybe for the first time). Baby bottles and teddy bears welcome!
Tickets: Adults (18+) $15 / Child (0-17) FREE
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Family Series Subscription.
Schedule

Crafts: 1-1:30 PM
Concert: 1:30-2:15 PM

Performers

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers

Three Things to Know

All ages are welcome, and it is best experienced by children up to age eight.
There is no dress code for this event. Children and adults should wear what makes them most comfortable, whether that is sweatpants, a princess dress, or a super hero costume.
The crafts we create will be used during the concert.

Listen

Event Program
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/winter_wonder_fall2019_all_languages

FAMILY: Winter Wonder, 11 AM
2019-12-14 11:00 - 12:15 | Reception Hall, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Mia beginning at 10:30 AM on Saturday.

Deck the hall with VocalEssence at this hands-on holiday event. Clap, wiggle, and sing along to your favorite holiday classics, and try your hand at creating a winter-themed craft to take home. Sit up close and experience the wonder of singing together (maybe for the first time). Baby bottles and teddy bears welcome!
Tickets: Adults (18+) $15 / Child (0-17) FREE
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Family Series Subscription.
Schedule

Crafts: 11-11:30 AM
Concert: 11:30 AM -12:15 PM

Performers

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers

Three Things to Know

All ages are welcome, and it is best experienced by children up to age eight.
There is no dress code for this event. Children and adults should wear what makes them most comfortable, whether that is sweatpants, a princess dress, or a super hero costume.
The crafts we create will be used during the concert.

Listen

Event Program
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/winter_wonder_fall2019_all_languages

FAMILY: Winter Wonder, 9 AM
2019-12-14 09:00 - 10:15 | Reception Hall, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Mia beginning at 8:30 AM on Saturday.

Deck the hall with VocalEssence at this hands-on holiday event. Clap, wiggle, and sing along to your favorite holiday classics, and try your hand at creating a winter-themed craft to take home. Sit up close and experience the wonder of singing together (maybe for the first time). Baby bottles and teddy bears welcome!
Tickets: Adults (18+) $15 / Child (0-17) FREE
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Family Series Subscription.
Schedule

Crafts: 9-9:30 AM
Concert: 9:30-10:15 AM

Performers

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers

Three Things to Know

All ages are welcome, and it is best experienced by children up to age eight.
There is no dress code for this event. Children and adults should wear what makes them most comfortable, whether that is sweatpants, a princess dress, or a super hero costume.
The crafts we create will be used during the concert.

Listen

EVENT Program
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/winter_wonder_fall2019_all_languages

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2019, Minneapolis, 7:30 PM
2019-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Plymouth Congregational Church beginning at 6:30 PM.

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

VINTAGE VOICES: Trillium Woods Vintage Voices Concert
2019-12-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Trillium Woods, 5855 Cheshire Pkwy North, Plymouth, MN, 55446, United States
Come and experience the sounds of the Trillium Woods Chorale in an exciting winter program, including both holiday hits as well as classical works and folk songs! Free and open to the public. Reception to follow.
Trillium Woods 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 2019, Minneapolis, 4 PM
2019-12-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Advance sales are now closed. A limited number of Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door beginning at 3 PM on Sunday, December 8.

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

CONCERT: Welcome Christmas 2019, Apple Valley
2019-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN, 55124, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door beginning at 6:30 PM on Saturday, December 7.

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

OLLI CLASS: Welcome Christmas 2019
2019-12-05 14:15 - 15:45 | Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
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 be a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Learn more and sign up at: https://olli.umn.edu/osher-lifelong-learning-institute/membership

Interested in purchasing tickets to one of our Welcome Christmas concerts? Follow this link: https://www.vocalessence.org/welcome-christmas-2019/

MPR: Welcome Christmas 2018 Broadcast
2019-12-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota Public Radio Headquarters, 480 Cedar Street, St. Paul, 55101, United States
John Birge hosts a taste of the season highlighting the best of the VocalEssence Welcome Christmas 2018 performance. Discover your holiday soundtrack as VocalEssence performed the creme de la creme of Christmas premieres over the past 49 years and looks toward the future with premieres by screen and stage composer Nico Muhly and two new carols by winners of the 21st annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest.
LIVE STREAM
Click here to go to the Live Stream of the concert.
FIND YOUR STATION
Click here to find your Classical Minnesota Public Radio station.

VINTAGE VOICES: Sabathani Community Center Vintage Voices Concert
2019-11-23 13:30 - 14:30 | Sabathani Community Center Auditorium, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Come and experience the sounds of the Sabathani Vintage Voices in an exciting program featuring selections of jazz, American folk songs, classical and more! Free and open to the public. Reception to follow.
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: What a Mighty God
2019-11-17 16:00 - 18:00 | St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, 55115, United States
Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door beginning at 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Feel your spirit soar to new heights at this vibrant and soulful program. Born of a dark past, spirituals have an unmistakable power to connect us through our joys and sorrows. Dr. André Thomas expertly honors this past and moves into the gospel realm by conducting the Midwest premiere of his Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy with orchestra, soloists, and choir. Continue the journey with powerful spirituals for choir and orchestra including “In That Great Gettin’ Up Morning” and “What a Mighty God,” and get ready to shout for joy!
Performers

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Dr. André Thomas, conductor
NaGuanda Nobles, soloist
Christian Mark Gibbs, soloist
Orchestra

Three Things to Know

Through spirituals, enslaved Africans were able to express their community solidarity and vision of freedom while they protested the condition of slavery. The songs were a source of inspiration and comfort, and sometimes a means to convey coded messages that included escape routes.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers played a pivotal role in the preservation and popularization of spirituals. They were the first to share the music of their ancestors with the wider world, and their performances helped secure a prominent place for spirituals in American music.
Thomas Dorsey, the “father of Gospel Music,” combined the hymn of praise with the rhythms of jazz and blues. He’s the author of the gospel standard “Precious Lord.”

Learn more
Westminster Town Hall Forum
Dr. Thomas spoke at the Westminster Town Hall Forum on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 about “Understanding the Negro Spiritual.” Hear his presentation here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/11/12/andre-thomas-at-westminster-town-hall-forum
Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Article
https://spokesman-recorder.com/2019/11/14/renowned-composer-andre-thomas-returns-to-minnesota-for-a-celebration-of-love/
KBEM Interview
http://www.jazz88.fm/2019/11/14/dr-andre-thomas-with-vocalessence/

CONCERT PROGRAM
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ve_fall_concertprogram2019_final_bdc0ce35b9d0a6
Thank you to our sponsors

VINTAGE VOICES: Parkshore Senior Living Vintage Voices Concert
2019-11-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Parkshore Senior Community, 3663 Park Center Boulevard, Saint Louis Park, MN, 55416, United States
Come and experience the sounds of the Park Singers Vintage Voices in an exciting program featuring selections of folk songs, spirituals, doo wop, Broadway hits, and more! Free and open to the public.
Parkshore Senior Living 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: Divine Light, 7 PM
2019-10-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Summit Center for Arts & Innovation, 1524 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55105, United States
Advance ticket sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door beginning at 5:30 PM.
Soak in the intimate beauty of the human voice in this unique chamber performance exploring the relationship between the human and the divine. Joining the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers on this journey will be Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Ruggero Allifranchini. Skillfully selected for the space, the wide-ranging blend of music from all over the world includes György Ligeti’s 16-part Lux Aeterna, made famous in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Concert Series Subscription.
Program

Gaelic Hymns by Ina Boyle
Psalm 151 by John Høybye / 15 min
Pavane, Op. 50 by Gabriel Fauré / 6 min
Colores Pacis by John August Pamintuan / 6 min
Lux Aeterna by György Ligeti / 9 min
A Silence Haunts Me by Jake Runestad / 13 min

There will be no intermission at this performance.
Performers

VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Ruggero Allifranchini, violin
Philip Brunelle, conductor
Mary Jo Gothmann, piano

Three things to know

When Stanly Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey premiered in 1968, György Ligeti was surprised to hear his Lux Aeterna featured prominently in the movie’s score. Kubrick later used Ligeti’s music in two of his other films—with permission!
Pavane, Op. 50 by Gabriel Fauré was originally written for piano and chorus in the late 1880s.
Ina Boyle achieved some major successes early in her career—she is the only female composer included in the Carnegie Collection of British Music—and studied with Vaughan Williams, who regarded her highly. But she often had to struggle to get her music performed or published.

CONCERT PROGRAM
https://issuu.com/vocalessence/docs/ve_fall_concertprogram2019_final_bdc0ce35b9d0a6
Listen
https://soundcloud.com/the-lyric-feature/ina-boyle-from-the-darkness
