Philip Brunelle: With the conclusion of VocalEssence 53rd season and the completion of auditions for season 54, Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle will be working on plans for the coming season as well as time to “attack” the filing of music and correspondence that awaits him! He is very pleased that this month his… Read More →
By Ross Raihala | rraihala@pioneerpress.com Pioneer Press | May 5, 2022 https://www.twincities.com/2022/05/05/police-drummer-stewart-copeland-vocalessence-satans-fall-concert/ Stewart Copeland is best known as the drummer in the Police. (He’s also known as the guy who broke lead singer Sting’s rib in a band-related fight.) But the 69-year-old didn’t stop making music when the Police called it a day in 1986. Instead, he focused… Read More →
By Jon Bream Star Tribune | May 05, 2022 https://m.startribune.com/the-police-stewart-copeland-minneapolis-oratorio-sting-vocalessence-mall-of-america-andy-summers/600170658/?clmob=y&c=n Stewart Copeland is going choral with VocalEssence and says no more Police reunions. Stewart Copeland has written scores for movies and TV shows, composed operas and oratorios and music for ballets and video games. He’s directed a rockumentary, authored a memoir and performed with orchestras. This year,… Read More →
By Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | March 29, 2022 https://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-revisits-dylan-classics/600160297/ The choral group will perform the bard’s songs in Detroit Lakes Friday, Grand Rapids Saturday and Red Wing April 30. VOCALESSENCE VocalEssence’s “Bob Dylan Revisited” Tour will include the choir, accompanied by a string quintet and piano. Well, if you’re traveling in the north country… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE AND FAMED ROCK DRUMMER STEWART COPELAND OF THE POLICE PRESENT PARADISE LOST-INSPIRED ORATORIO “SATAN’S FALL” Regional premiere at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—May 8 MINNEAPOLIS—March 31, 2021—VocalEssence will present the regional premiere of Satan’s Fall, the choral work composed by famed British rock drummer Stewart Copeland and… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com DIVERSE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE CELEBRATE COMMUNITY IN “CHOOSING LOVE” CONCERT Young singers with uplifting message of acceptance perform at the Ordway in St Paul, April 24 MINNEAPOLIS—March 31, 2022—Reimagining our community as a beloved source of acceptance, affirmation, and love for every… Read More →
Grand Rapids Herald Review | March 18, 2022 https://www.grandrapidsmn.com/news/vocalessence-takes-the-music-of-bob-dylan-on-a-minnesota-tour/article_f3180904-a4a9-11ec-aa15-a795169a94f8.html From Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet, Bob Dylan’s music has been covered by just about everyone. Members of the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will present their own take on Minnesota’s native son. “The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan,”… Read More →
There are times where it is difficult to know how to respond to tragedy. On the evening of Ash Wednesday, composer John Rutter heard Valentin Silvestrov’s choral setting of the following text, “Good Lord, protect Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith, hope. Amen.” He decided to use his talents to compose his own setting of… Read More →
Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. Please enjoy “Ščedryk”, a Ukrainian New Year’s carol by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich, arranged by Philip Brunelle. This carol, traditionally sung on January 13, tells the story of a swallow flying into a house to sing of wealth that will come the following spring (you can hear the bird… Read More →
VocalEssence has several opportunities to listen and watch over the holidays. Here are the ways you can enjoy VocalEssence programming: 2021 VocalEssence Digital Concerts These concerts can be accessed anytime, anywhere! Bach’s Christmas Oratorio Welcome Christmas Broadcasts YourClassical MPR is airing each of the four Bach Cantatas on the following dates and times. Tune in… Read More →
By SHEILA REGAN Pioneer Press | December 4, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/12/04/music-review-vocalessence-bach-society-deliver-healthy-dose-of-rejoicing-in-christmas-oratorio/ Decked out with birch trees and wreaths, the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis brought in the Christmas season when the combined forces of VocalEssence and the Bach Society of Minnesota presented four of the six Cantatas that make up Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.” Situated… Read More →
By Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | DECEMBER 1, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/reignite-your-holiday-traditions-with-8-great-concerts-by-twin-cities-classical-groups/600122571/?refresh=true From a bounty of Bach to a Kate DiCamillo opera, there’s plenty on tap. Stop-motion animator Erin Pollock made a video to accompany Minnesota Opera’s “Edward Tulane Choral Suite,” streaming for free starting Dec. 13. Last December proved a winter of discontent for those who… Read More →
By Sheila Regan Pioneer Press | November 27, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/27/holiday-arts-classical-musics-carols-and-melodies-bring-sense-of-togetherness/ Sing along with the Minnesota Chorale on Handel’s Messiah. (Courtesy photo) After the COVID-19 Grinch stole Christmas last year, the festive spirit comes roaring back better than ever. Whether you survived on Classical music Zoom performances to get your holiday fix or forewent concert music… Read More →
By Star Tribune staff Star Tribune | November 12, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/holiday-shows-are-back-eight-of-the-best-this-season-in-the-twin-cities/600115842/?refresh=true These popular shows are back. MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE “Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy” ‘Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy’ The return to holiday show traditions after a year without them wouldn’t be complete without this classic. Performed in the ornate grandness of the State Theatre, the Minnesota… Read More →
by Sara Cronk Gustavus Adolphus Fine Arts Blog | October 21st, 2021 VocalEssence Christmas Concert Featuring Gustavus Alumni Wins Upper Midwest Emmy The VocalEssence Chorus features multiple Gustavus Alumni. Picture Credit Bruce Silcox, courtesy of VocalEssence At the 22nd annual Upper Midwest Regional Emmys, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence’s Christmas concert, Welcome Christmas, received the Emmy for Entertainment, Long Form Content.… Read More →
