In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Zoltán Kodály. Zoltán Kodály 1882-1962 Composer, pioneering ethnomusicologist, groundbreaking educator and critic, Kodály enjoyed a status in Hungary that is perhaps unrivaled by any other figure. Kodály was born in Kecskemét, Hungary, soon moving to… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Henk Badings, featuring mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Henk Badings 1907-1987 The prolific Dutch composer Henk Badings was born on the island of Java and moved to the Netherlands at age seven as an orphan. Facing pressure from… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer John Tavener. John Tavener 1944-2013 English composer Sir John Tavener was best known for his sacred choral works that mesmerize choirs and audiences around the world. He began improvising and composing from the piano at… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Rosephanye Powell. Rosephanye Powell b. 1962 The African-American composer, singer, and voice professor Rosephanye Powell is a leader among choral composers today. Powell has degrees in voice and music education from Alabama State University (B.M.E),… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer John Gardner. John Gardner 1917-2011 Prolific English composer John Gardner is known for his eclectic compositions that charm choirs around the world. He was born in Manchester and raised in Ilfracombe, North Devon. He… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer André Thomas. André Thomas b. 1952 As a composer, arranger, conductor, author, pianist, and educator, André Thomas is very active in the choral world. Thomas recently retired after many years as a professor and as… Read More →
Libby Larsen Libby Larsen (b. 24 December 1950, Wilmington, Delaware) is one of America’s most performed living composers. She has created a catalogue of over 500 works spanning virtually every genre from intimate vocal and chamber music to massive orchestral works and more than 15 operas. Libby is a Grammy Award-winner and is widely recorded,… 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 →
