In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Hector Berlioz. Hector Berlioz 1803-1869 During his lifetime, the music of the innovative French conductor and composer Hector Berlioz was highly controversial. The son of a doctor, Berlioz defied his parents’ wishes for him to… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. This episode features two guest performers: soprano Maria Jette and VocalEssence’s pianist Mary Jo Gothmann. Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel 1805-1847 During her lifetime, German composer Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel was not nearly as well-known as her brother,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Felix Mendelssohn. Felix Mendelssohn 1809-1847 German composer Felix Mendelssohn was one of the most prominent composers and conductors during his lifetime. His father facilitated a well-rounded education for Felix and his siblings, which included a… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jonathan Dove. Jonathan Dove b. 1959 English composer Jonathan Dove is one of today’s most prolific and active composers of opera, orchestral, and choral music. Dove was born into a family of architects, but loved… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Daniel Kantor. Daniel Kantor b. 1960 As a composer, Daniel Kantor is best known for his beloved and widely popular piece “Night of Silence”. Additionally, Kantor is very active outside of the music world. Kantor… Read More →
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Moses Hogan | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle https://www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/andre-thomas-musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ Steve Heitzeg | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Randall Davidson | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Timothy Takach | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Dominick Argento | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Carol Barnett… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com CELEBRATE MUSICAL SIBLINGS FELIX AND FANNY WITH VOCALESSENCE EVENT—“THE MENDELSSOHNS” Two prolific Romantic-era composers, one extraordinary program of music — April 4, 2020 MINNEAPOLIS—October 21, 2019—This spring, VocalEssence will feature compositions by siblings Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel side by side in a single program, The Mendelssohns.… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Star Tribune Published: OCTOBER 6, 2019 — 2:00PM http://www.startribune.com/beethoven-meets-poet-rita-dove-the-week-s-best-classical-concerts/562199432/ Beethoven with a side of poetry “Sonata for a crazy mulatto.” The dedication Beethoven wrote on the score of his towering “Kreutzer” Sonata was presumably meant affectionately, but would not play well today. The dedicatee in question was George Bridgetower, an Afro-European… Read More →
WEDNESDAY 8/28/2019 WHAT LASTS “¿Listos?” Maestro Prieto said. He spoke in both English and Spanish, often switching mid-sentence. “¡Coro! No anxiety, sin ansiedad, about an early ‘s’, por un ‘s’ temprano, on the word ‘agnus.’” His speech was quick, and his gestures animated. Giving direction to the basses, he said, “You sing like…” He… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle was interviewed about why VocalEssence chose to perform The Times They Are A-Changin’ at the Palace Theatre in Saint Paul. The Palace Theatre is not the first venue you think of when you think of a choir concert. Why did you choose to perform at the Palace? I always think about… Read More →
By Pamela Espeland | MinnPost Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – 10:04 AM: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/03/260-films-from-77-nations-coming-our-way-in-april/ Courtesy of the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul A still from MSPIFF’s opening night film, “Yuli,” about the life of Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta. The 38th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is just over two weeks away. Tickets go on sale to the… Read More →
“Life after 50” could be a challenge for some, but not for VocalEssence! We are moving from one anniversary to the next. This season marks 30 years since we began our VocalEssence WITNESS program honoring the contributions of African Americans to the arts. We are celebrating with two WITNESS-themed performances this season—What a Mighty God… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune November 30, 2018 — 2:52PM: http://www.startribune.com/10-best-concerts-to-mark-the-holidays-in-choir-crazed-minnesota/501646651/ With so many Minnesota choirs, it can be difficult selecting the perfect concert. Here are 10 great options for the holidays. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but music lovers have floated a new state motto: Land of 10,000… Read More →
