In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Bradley Ellingboe. Bradley Ellingboe b. 1958 Bradley Ellingboe has led a wide-ranging career in the world of singing, including accomplishments as a choral conductor, soloist, composer, scholar, and teacher. He is a graduate of St.… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gottfried Homilius. Gottfried Homilius 1714-1785 The industrious German composer and organist, Gottfried Homilius, was known for his larger church works which, in the latter part of the 18th century ranked very high. He enrolled at… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gwyneth Walker. Gwyneth Walker b. 1947 Widely performed throughout the country, the music of American composer Gwyneth Walker is beloved by performers and audiences alike for its energy, beauty, reverence, drama, and humor. She holds… 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 →
Affirming and amplifying Black Lives Join 12 Twin Cities Choral organizations as we share our voices to promote healing, invite dialogue, and call us into action. The concert, curated and led by G. Phillip Shoultz III, Associate Conductor and Director of Learning and Engagement at VocalEssence, featuring Joe Davis and The New Renaissance, Jayanthi Rajasa,…
Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | March 18, 2021—10:49AM https://www.startribune.com/once-viewed-as-potential-super-spreaders-minnesota-choirs-are-emerging-again/600035749/?om_rid=1590517193&om_mid=2499842505 One more welcome sign of spring: Minnesota choirs are emerging from hibernation. Dwight Jilek conducted members of Magnum Chorum for their livestream this month. Photo by Flight Creative Media For a state dubbed “The Land of 10,000 Choirs,” the pandemic has been particularly… 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 →
It’s Friday, and what better way to celebrate the end of another week than a little bit of singing? Join GPS as he sends us off into the weekend and shares a little about author Zora Neale Hurston. Our musical pairing is “In the Still of the Night,” by Fred Parris as performed by Fred… Read More →
On today’s edition of Take 5, GPS celebrates acclaimed printmaker and sculptor, Elizabeth Catlett, whose work reflects her interest in African art and social issues in the United States and Mexico. Our musical pairing is “I’ll Come Back To You,” as performed by Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Learn More https://www.elizabethcatlettart.com/bio https://nmwa.org/art/artists/elizabeth-catlett/ https://philamuseum.org/calendar/exhibition/artist-focus-elizabeth-catlett https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/elizabeth-catlett-41… Read More →
It’s Wednesday and GPS is getting ready for another Wednesday edition of Take 5. Today he’ll be sharing about Wilma Rudolph, the first woman to win 3 gold medals at the Olympic Games. Our musical pairing is “Git On Board, Little Children,” a traditional Negro Spiritual. Learn More https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/wilma-rudolph https://www.biography.com/athlete/wilma-rudolph https://usopm.org/wilma-rudolph/ Sponsor Black Excellence Each… Read More →
On this Tuesday edition of Take 5, GPS highlights the contributions of Ann Lowe, first African American to be recognized as a fashion designer. Lowe’s one-of-a-kind designs were a favorite among high society matrons from the 1920s to the 1960s. Our musical pairing is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.… Read More →
On this Sunday edition of Take 5, GPS highlights the contributions of Dorothy Irene Height, whose organizational and operational skills were unmatched leading to her prominent role in the movement for Civil Rights and her opportunities to consult with US Presidents and First Ladies. We revisit the Black church for our musical inspiration as we… Read More →
Today, GPS highlights the trailblazing career of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, whose work as an activist and scholar paved the way for many woman that have followed her in public service. We revisit the inspirational and well-known Ben E. King song, “Stand By Me” for our musical inspiration. Learn More https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/16031 https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/barbara-jordan https://www.kff.org/about-barbara-jordan/ Sponsor Black Excellence… Read More →
We kick off our weekend with inspiration, song, and a time to recognize the contributions of Althea Gibson, a professional athlete who broke racial barriers in a variety of ways. The Supremes and “Got You Back in My Arms Again” will provide our musical inspiration. Learn More https://www.biography.com/athlete/althea-gibson https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/26/sports/tennis/althea-gibson-statue-us-open.html https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014035.html https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/althea-gibson-is-first-african-american-to-win-wimbledon Sponsor Black Excellence Each… Read More →
