Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III have been busy preparing for a safe and innovative 52nd season of VocalEssence. Online and physically distanced rehearsals have begun with VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and will begin soon for our youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. Philip Brunelle has begun releasing… Read More →
This September, VocalEssence Vintage Voices conductor Rob Graham has been visiting the homes of older adult singers from Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. At a safe distance and accompanied by Sabathani Community Center Senior Program Director Georgia Marinkov-Omorean, Rob has been greeting them with a friendly visit as well as gifting them a care… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Eskil Hemberg. Eskil Hemberg 1938-2004 Eskil Hemberg was a composer and conductor born in Stockholm, Sweden. He studied organ, composition, and conducting at the Stockholm Royal College of Music under Herbert Blomstedt from 1957 to… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Moses Hogan. Moses Hogan 1957-2003 Moses Hogan was a leading arranger of African-American spirituals, as well as a talented pianist and conductor. Beginning at an early age, Hogan studied piano and was immersed in… Read More →
Join us on Thursday to see a online rehearsal demonstration to prepare you for upcoming rehearsals this fall. Zoom Information https://stolaf.zoom.us/j/98077756921?pwd=ek9wTFRMbFFQZmxxU215ZzRHYXQ0Zz09 Meeting ID: 980 7775 6921 Password: musiclives 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,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Alberto Ginastera. Alberto Ginastera 1916-1983 Argentinian composer and teacher Alberto Ginastera was widely recognized as among the most significant 20th century composers. He studied composition at the Conservatorio WIlliams and the Conservatorio Nacional de Música,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Petr Eben. Philip is joined by the contralto Lisa Drew. Petr Eben 1929-2007 As one of the foremost Czech composers, Petr Eben wrote beautiful music in nearly all classical genres and forms. He was raised… Read More →
We believe love inspires change, pursues justice, and creates change. We sing in love. This performance of Seasons of Love features members from the VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, and Singers Of This Age, and is part of our continued effort to inspire people to use their voices to make this a more equitable world… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Samuel Barber. Samuel Barber 1910-1981 The treasured American composer Samuel Barber wrote works in nearly every genre and is especially admired for his vocal and choral music. Immersed in music from a young age, Barber… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Eleanor Daley. Eleanor Daley b. 1955 The award-winning Canadian composer Eleanor Daley was born and raised in Parry Sound, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organ Performance from Queen’s University in Kingston, as well… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jean Berger. Jean Berger 1909-2002 The composer, conductor, and musicologist Jean Berger was born in Germany and began taking piano and organ lessons at a young age. He studied at the universities of Vienna and… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Daniel Pinkham. Daniel Pinkham 1923-2006 Daniel Pinkham was an acclaimed composer, organist, choral conductor, and teacher. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he began learning piano and composing at age 5. He studied at Harvard with Piston… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Grant Still. William Grant Still 1895-1978 The African American composer William Grant Still was known for his prolific and influential career as a commercial arranger and composer. In 1911 he entered Wilberforce University (Ohio),… Read More →
On Father’s Day 2020, VocalEssence gathered family and friends around the country 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 was a joy-filled, family friendly celebration with songs that honor fathers and the father figures… Read More →
This weekend: Juneteenth celebrations, online Midsommar festival, Electric Fetus sale, Father’s Day Motor Show, and more By Tally Shaver | Minnesota Monthly Published: JUNE 17, 2020 https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/health-covid-19/culture-2/weekend-best-bets-june-18-21/ Melanie DeMore, a song leader for Sunday’s Father’s Day SingalongKYNDELL HARKNESS Minnesota Arboretum Hosts Weekly Storytime & Crafts What: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Storytime & Crafts at Home When: Every… Read More →
