VocalEssence WITNESS is one of the nation’s premier initiatives celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive educational programs. Please visit the VocalEssence WITNESS Program History page to learn more about the background and inspiration behind the program. VocalEssence WITNESS School Program offers online workshops with experienced Teaching… Read More →
Executive Director phone 612-547-1454 fax 612-547-1464 maryann@vocalessence.org Mary Ann Aufderheide joined VocalEssence as managing director in 2003. Under her leadership she has firmly established the VocalEssence brand name as representing excellence in choral music and community engagement programs. During her tenure the organization has expanded its core of professional singers who tour regionally and internationally;… Read More →
After more than 50 years of championing the power act of singing together, VocalEssence has been recognized by organizations around the world. We received the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for adventurous programming of contemporary music six times and has been honored with more Chorus America awards than any other ensemble nationwide, including the once-in-an-organizational-lifetime Margaret Hillis… Read More →
Singing has always been a community activity. For generations upon generations, people have come together in song to celebrate, mourn, praise, and inspire each other. For nearly half a century, VocalEssence has been dedicated to keeping that essential human tradition alive. With exhilarating concert performances, ground-breaking educational programming, and tireless advocacy for choral music, VocalEssence… Read More →
Posted on March 9, 2013 by mnuet.com VocalEssence has planned a varied and challenging 45th season. “One would think it would be a challenge to keep things fresh after more than four decades — but we find the contrary to be true,” Philip Brunelle, founder of VocalEssence, said in a written statement. “The mission of… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (August 29, 2011) — Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and the Board of VocalEssence are pleased to announce that Mary Ann Pulk, who has served as Managing Director of VocalEssence since 2003, has been promoted to the role of Executive Director. “A major part of what makes VocalEssence so successful is the blend of… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (January 25, 2010) – VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle was recently honored with a “Local Legend” award at the 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast. The sold-out event – hosted by the United Negro College Fund and the General Mills Foundation – was held on Monday, January 18… Read More →
News Release Contact: Jennifer Bauer 612-547-1459 jbauer@vocalessence.org MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (October 21, 2009) – VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum are pleased to announce the two winners of the 12th annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. This year, the contest sought new carols for chorus and viola. Carols composed by Michael J. Glasgow (Raleigh, NC) and Robert… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 23, 2009) — VocalEssence, the Minneapolis-based non-profit choral ensemble, is very pleased to announce the election of three new members to its board of directors. They were elected at the quarterly board meeting on May 20, 2009 to serve three-year terms beginning in July. Susan Crockett, Ph.D. is Vice President and Senior… Read More →
For Immediate Release Contact: Katryn Conlin, 612-547-1459 Minneapolis (March 23, 2006) — In a year to be highlighted by American vocal masterpieces, VocalEssence will crown its 2006-2007 concert season with Illuminating Bolcom, a two-week festival in April 2007 celebrating the music of one of the United States’ greatest living composers: William Bolcom. "Because of… Read More →
For Immediate Release Contact: Katryn Conlin, 612-547-1459 Minneapolis (March 23, 2006) — In a year to be highlighted by American vocal masterpieces, VocalEssence will crown its 2006-2007 concert season with Illuminating Bolcom, a two-week festival in April 2007 celebrating the music of one of the United States’ greatest living composers: William Bolcom. "Because of… Read More →
