Watch as Philip Brunelle and Lise Houlton, Artistic Director of Minnesota Dance Theatre, discuss the partnership between Minnesota Dance Theatre and VocalEssence. Philip asks what it is like to dance to live singing, to which Lise responds, “Sublime.” Lise and Philip talk about how the dancers create a physical representation of Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,”… Read More →
Alexander Hille, choreographer Alexander Hille received his dance education in New York at Juilliard School and with the Netherlands Dance Theatre. He danced in Austin McCormick’s Company XIV, in Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal under Louis Robitaille, in Les Grands Ballets Canadiens with Ivan Cavallari and lastly in the Ensembles Les 7 Doigts de la…
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gabriela Lena Frank. Gabriela Lena Frank b. 1972 Gabriela Lena Frank is an eminent American composer of contemporary classical music. Born in Berkeley, California to a mother of mixed Peruvian/Chinese ancestry and a father of… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Sven-David Sandström. Sven-David Sandström 1942-2019 Distinguished Swedish composer Sven-David Sandström is best known for his Requiem, The High Mass, the 2001 opera, Jeppe: The Cruel Comedy, and his concertos. Born in Motala, he studied art… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber b. 1948 Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is an eminent British composer of some of the world’s best-known musicals. His notable works include Cats, Joseph and The Amazing… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Philip Moore. Philip Moore b. 1943 British composer, conductor, and organist, Philip Moore, is known for his glorious music for instrumental and choral ensembles. Born in 1943, he was educated at the Royal College of… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Giles Swayne. Giles Swayne b. 1946 Giles Swayne is an eminent British composer whose choral output features a wide range of sacred and secular texts. He began composing when he was ten and studied the… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Leo Nestor. Leo Nestor 1947-2019 Dr. Leo Nestor was an American choral composer and conductor, known for his work with the American Repertory Singers. He served the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as musical… Read More →
Updated 10/5/2022 We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and adhering to all health and safety recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as any health and safety protocols in place at our concert venues. These protocols are subject to change based on changing conditions and will be…
By Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | May 14, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-choral-group-vocalessence-continues-to-bear-witness-to-black-composers/600056773/?refresh=true The Minneapolis choral organization has led the way for three decades. Photo credit: ANNA MIN VocalEssence members rehearsed for the Witness program with associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz III at Bethel College’s Benson Concert Hall in St. Paul. Photo by Anna Min… Read More →
GPS highlights the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth for this Sunday edition of Take 5. In addition, we take a look at the traditional Negro spiritual, “Plenty Good Room.” Learn More https://sojournertruthmemorial.org/sojourner-truth/her-history/ https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sojourner-truth https://www.nps.gov/people/sojourner-truth.htm https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm?fbclid=IwAR3AMCWZhp8tbIx8mjKWkza0pHyzVthADFVhfwRogfSv5QjGR_U6mrCeq0M Sponsor Black Excellence Each episode and blog post take $250 to create and produce. Consider sponsoring a day or… Read More →
For this Saturday edition of Take 5, GPS highlights the artistic and administrative accomplishments of dancer, Judith Jamison, and also shares a terrific Duke Ellington standard, “I’m Beginning to See the Light.” Learn More https://www.alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/judith-jamison http://pressroom.alvinailey.org/album?c=25045&t=video&p=24&s=order https://www.ted.com/speakers/judith_jamison Sponsor Black Excellence Each episode and blog post take $250 to create and produce. Consider sponsoring a day… Read More →
