Give your soul the space to breathe and be fully present as Melanie DeMore leads you in an experience of connecting and community-building through song. Hear selections from the newly…  Read More →

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Dear Friends of VocalEssence, With immense joy and gratitude, we share with you the 2023-2024 Annual Report for VocalEssence. This past year has been one of transformative growth, artistic innovation, and deep community impact. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also look ahead with great anticipation to what’s next. Our commitment to using music as…

Ruby Bridges At the tender age of six, Ruby Bridges advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960 when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Born on September 8, 1954, Bridges was the oldest of five children for Lucille and Abon Bridges, farmers in Tylertown,…

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Explore England in Song and Story with VocalEssence! Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and founder Philip Brunelle, MBE, on an extraordinary 10-day tour to England from July 21-31, 2025*. Organized by professional tour company ACFEA, this once-in-a-lifetime trip is designed for music lovers and adventurers alike, blending breathtaking performances you won’t see anywhere else, with rich cultural experiences, and historic exploration. Want…

To Download: Click on the image in the gallery below and a high resolution version will appear for download. For press/promotional use related to VocalEssence events only.

Advance ticket sales for these concerts are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at American Swedish Institute beginning at 3PM on the performance date. Two Performances Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 4 PM Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4 PM Larson Hall,…

Two Performances Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 900 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 4 PM Westwood Lutheran Church 9001 Cedar Lake Rd, St. Louis Park, MN “Shout for joy!” Back by popular demand, the Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers renew…

Two Performances Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4 PM Northrop 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 4 PM Northrop 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN Forget the hustle and bustle—take time to experience the wonder and joy of the season as VocalEssence returns to the magnificent Northrop stage to welcome Christmas in song. Immerse…

In 2022-2023 VocalEssence completed an extended strategic planning process that included revised mission, vision, and values statements and new strategic imperatives to achieve the impact we wish to have in society. VocalEssence celebrates singing as an essential human expression. Artistic quality, passion for singing together, and reputation for engaging people are hallmarks of our impact.…