Philip Brunelle: The 55th VocalEssence season is in full swing and Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director, is delighted to be rehearsing music for the October 29 opening concert with the Ensemble Singers and the Chorus. In late August he spent 10 days in Brittany and then visited daughter Elise and family in Vermont…
VocalEssence is thrilled to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors. The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of the 55-year-old nonprofit. “I’m delighted to welcome our new…
Save the date for the VocalEssence Gala: Celebration of Song on the evening of Saturday, May 11, 2024! Join us for an enchanting evening dedicated to celebrating the power of singing together. Immerse yourself in a world where melodies soar, hearts harmonize, and voices unite to create unforgettable moments. This event is a testament to… Read More →
Learning and Engagement Manager emma@vocalessence.org Emma Jirele joined the team at VocalEssence in the summer of 2023. As Learning and Engagement Manager, Emma provides operational leadership and logistical support to community and school initiatives, such as VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, WITNESS, the Longfellow School Program, and additional school partnerships. Emma was first exposed to… Read More →
Philip Brunelle: This month has been full of celebrations for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. On August 14, the rain stopped and the clouds parted as 120 of Philip’s closest friends joined him in celebrating his 80th birthday at the home of Marilyn Carlson Nelson. It was a wonderful celebration of food, singing,…
Philip Brunelle: This month has been memorable in many ways for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. With the VERY successful completion of the Bridge to the Future campaign where we reached our $4.5 million goal, we celebrated with a reception at the home of Cay Shea on a beautiful June evening. Several days later…
Philip Brunelle: The past month has been another busy one for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. This is the time for auditions for the Ensemble Singers as well as new singers for the Chorus–so many hours have been filled with this important task. Putting the final touches on the 2023-2024 season (subscriptions are…
Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas, God Jul, and Veselykh Svya—this year’s Welcome Christmas features music for all to enjoy! Experience the passion of all four VocalEssence ensembles singing together on one stage presenting carols from around the world. Hear new and familiar favorites, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds,…
Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas, God Jul, and Veselykh Svya—this year’s Welcome Christmas features music for all to enjoy! Experience the passion of all four VocalEssence ensembles singing together on one stage presenting carols from around the world. Hear new and familiar favorites, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds,…
“Shout for joy!” Back by popular demand, the Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers renew their collaboration to tell one of the greatest musical Christmas stories of all time. Hear three cantatas from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as well as cantata 147, beloved for its setting of the tune “Jesu, Joy…
“Shout for joy!” Back by popular demand, the Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers renew their collaboration to tell one of the greatest musical Christmas stories of all time. Hear three cantatas from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as well as cantata 147, beloved for its setting of the tune “Jesu, Joy…
For 55 years, Philip Brunelle has been at the helm of VocalEssence, and now he is celebrating another milestone—his 80th Birthday—with no plans of slowing down! In honor of this monumental occasion, we will perform some of Philip’s favorite works from the past 55 years. Join us as we go down memory lane, rediscovering music…
For 55 years, Philip Brunelle has been at the helm of VocalEssence, and now he is celebrating another milestone—his 80th Birthday—with no plans of slowing down! In honor of this monumental occasion, we will perform some of Philip’s favorite works from the past 55 years. Join us as we go down memory lane, rediscovering music…
In a program that explores our relationships with one another and with creation, VocalEssence seeks to give fresh life to justice and hope sharing a message celebrating the wide circle of life that provides room for all to grow and thrive. Featuring commissions by Daniel Godfrey and Marcus Simmons, and the latest piece by ACDA…
Beloved vocal activist, soulful singer, and composer Melanie DeMore returns to Minnesota using her music as what she calls “a weapon of mass connection.” Featuring music by Damien Geter, Marques Garrett, Joel Thompson, and songs from the African diaspora, WITNESS: Leading with Love is the place to hear Melanie and VocalEssence share the world premiere…
