VocalEssence WITNESS recordings showcase the music of trailblazing African American composers — the soul of American classical music. This CD collection is out of print, but you can still order the individual CDs through Gothic Records. Please click the links below to learn more. Dance Like the Wind: Music of Today’s Black Composers Got the… Read More →
Vibrant music from the crossroads — South and North, African and American, church and street — characterizes the era between 1914 and 1930. Jearlyn Steele, soprano; Michael Forest, tenor; Paul Shaw, piano; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. “The works on this excellent recording [by VocalEssence] capture the spirit of the… Read More →
William Grant Still’s music for chorus, orchestra and organ brings the blues into the concert hall, ragtime to the ballet stage and the Old World into a new era. William Warfield, narrator; Hilda Harris, Yolanda Williams, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; special guests Leigh Morris Chorale: Philip Brunelle, conductor. “I found much… Read More →
VocalEssence, Garrison Keillor and The Hopeful Gospel Quartet On November 23, 2004, the Hopeful Gospel Quartet — Garrison Keillor, Mollie O’Brien and Robin & Linda Williams — traded musical moments with the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers in a concert at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis. The evening seamlessly blended American folk traditions with choral masterpieces old… Read More →
Storyteller Garrison Keillor and conductor Philip Brunelle lead a harmonious celebration of all things Thanksgiving with the melodious voices of the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and their special guests, singer Jearlyn Steele and pianist Richard Dworsky. Along the way we learn that Thanksgiving really isn’t all about the turkey — it’s actually all about… Read More →
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle, conductor In 1998, VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum joined forces to offer an annual contest encouraging the composition of new carols. Over the years hundreds of worthy carols have been submitted. “Behold This Heavenly Night” presents the world premiere of some of these contest-winning carols alongside outstanding arrangements… Read More →
The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers “have a blend that could—and should—be the envy of every choir in the business.” Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Lauded by the Times of London as “polished, bright… Read More →
1969 Philip Brunelle founds the Plymouth Church Music Series. 1970 Aaron Copland conducts a performance of his choral works aptly titled “In the Beginning.” 1973 Dominick Argento composes Jonah and the Whale, the first VocalEssence commission. 1973 Dave Brubeck Jazz legend performs the Midwest premiere of his To Hope: A Celebration. 1974 Garrison Keillor features… Read More →
By William Randall Beard Special to the Star Tribune Posted: March 22, 2014 VocalEssence kicked off its three-day concert series celebrating the music of John Rutter on Friday night. Many filled the pews early to hear a discussion of the musical program and VocalEssence’s upcoming 2014-2015 season. One of the originally planned features of this concert was that… 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 →
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 →
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 →
News ReleaseContact: Becky Bailey or Katrina Vander Kooi612-309-7149 or 612-547-1472bbailey@carrerainc.com orkvanderkooi@vocalessence.org Order WITNESS Concert Tickets Download High Res Photos MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Nov. 21, 2012) — VocalEssence is proudly continuing its rich 23-year tradition of celebrating diversity and honoring African American artists with its popular WITNESS program. This year VocalEssence celebrates the inspiring story of musical… Read More →
For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Bailey, bbailey@vocalessence.org, 763.551.9190 (cell 612.309.7149) MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 27, 2012) — The holidays in the Twin Cities would not be complete without the annual VocalEssence Welcome Christmas concerts, taking place this year at churches in Edina, Minneapolis, Apple Valley and Stillwater on December 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9, 2012.… Read More →
(Minneapolis – July 31, 2012) — On Saturday, November 10 (8 pm) VocalEssence will present Cuba’s foremost chorus, Schola Cantorum Coralina, at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. Already known and beloved world-wide, this appearance marks their United States debut. Due to demand for this highly anticipated concert, VocalEssence has added a second… Read More →
