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 →
Thank you for your interest in VocalEssence and all that we do—and are—as a leading arts organization. As we engage our community through our innovative choral programming, education programs, elder learning initiatives and choral advocacy, we have garnered many media mentions and reviews, some of which we have compiled. We offer press professionals access to the following… Read More →
Sing with us! On any given day, in towns both large and small, choirs across the country present hundreds of beautiful concerts. While audiences and choir singers alike have long understood the intrinsic value of singing together, the 2019 Chorus Impact Study commissioned by Chorus America also shows us that participation in choirs cultivates positive… 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 →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com Twin Cities choral organization announces season of fresh collaborations, including choral premiere from hip hop artist Dessa — and a tribute to P.D.Q. Bach MINNEAPOLIS — March 21, 2014 —Acclaimed Minneapolis-based choral ensemble VocalEssence — recognized internationally for its innovative explorations of music — announces a captivating 46th season of concerts.… Read More →
VOCALESSENCE CONNECTS VIBRANT MUSIC OF MEXICO TO AREA SCHOOLS ¡Cantaré! delivers original works by Twin Cities students, Mexican composers with lively Ordway community concert on May 20 MINNEAPOLIS— March 5, 2014—The musical spirit of Mexico will be celebrated by VocalEssence and area school children on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in a family-friendly, bilingual performance at the… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PERFORMER MELANIE DEMORE POUNDS, CLAPS INTO TOWN FOR WITNESS: Stomp & Sing VocalEssence welcomes vocal activist Melanie DeMore in concert Sun., Feb. 9, 4 p.m. MINNEAPOLIS—November 7, 2013—The 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus will share the Orchestra Hall stage with vocal activist Melanie DeMore on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. for a… Read More →
¡Cantaré! pairs composers, local students for community concert and education FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Jennifer Weismann, 612-716-0556Jennifer@owl-marketing.com Download high resolution photographs for press use MINNEAPOLIS — April 29, 2013 — Internationally renowned choral organization VocalEssence celebrates the vibrant culture and music of Mexico with two special performances on May 21 — ¡Cantaré! (I Will Sing!). The… 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 (May 16, 2011) Today Ana Luisa Fajer, the Consul of Mexico in St. Paul, presented VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle with the Ohtli Recognition Award at the quarterly VocalEssence board meeting in downtown Minneapolis. Once a year, the government of Mexico presents this award to a civilian living outside the country for contributions made to the empowerment of Mexican… Read More →
Educational program continues to build on tremendous success of its inaugural 2008-2009 season MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 31, 2010) – Now in its second season, the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! program links Mexican composers with nearly 500 students and adults in the Twin Cities community through residencies in schools, churches, and choral organizations. This cross-cultural program is designed… 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 →
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (January 14, 2010) – The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was developed by VocalEssence to celebrate and recognize those who provide the resources to help organizations come closer to their vision, and those who are in the field empowering youth through direct contact, making a… Read More →
