It’s time for another mashup of Minnesota musical genres, as Minnesotan choral legends VocalEssence and bluegrass quintet Monroe Crossing team up for a new recording, Mortals & Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deum. Mortals & Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deum is an original work by Minnesota composer Carol Barnett and librettist Marisha Chamberlain, and is an… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle is presently in Seoul, South Korea conducting an all-American concert with one of Korea’s finest professional choirs, the Ansan City Choir. Included in the program is “Peter Quince at the Clavier” by Dominick Argento, to celebrate Argento’s 90th birthday on October 27. When he returns, he will have a number of… Read More →
VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting new choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in assisted living communities and senior centers. Activities include choral rehearsals with conductor Rob Graham and accompanist John Jensen for 12 weeks, culminating in an on-site concert for friends, family, residents and community… Read More →
Don Shelby has been involved “one way or another” with VocalEssence for the past 25 years, since he first appeared in a production of “Of Thee I Sing.” Now Don is on the board of VocalEssence, and the award-winning former news reporter and anchor has taken on other roles as well. “I’ve played the role… Read More →
Young Minneapolis composer Jake Runestad connects with the struggles of war veterans in “Dreams of the Fallen.” By Kristin Tillotson, Star Tribune OCTOBER 4, 2015 — 2:00PM Photos by RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII • rtsong.taatarii@startribune.com Minneapolis composer Jake Runestad, a rising figure on the national classical scene, ties topical issues to his music. On Sunday VocalEssence performs… Read More →
We are very excited and honored to announce today a wonderful addition to our VocalEssence team. G. Phillip Shoultz, III will be joining Philip Brunelle as the new full-time Associate Conductor of VocalEssence this July. This is an expanded position with our organization, one that we hope will have far-reaching impact on both VocalEssence and… Read More →
Older adults are pursuing active lives, and VocalEssence is gladly adding to their options with the launch of VocalEssence Vintage Voices—an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in assisted living facilities and senior centers. With funding from the Minnesota State Arts… Read More →
CONTACT: Mary Ann Aufderheide 612-547-1454 maryann@vocalessence.org VOCALESSENCE ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Sigrid Johnson steps down at end of 2014-2015 Season MINNEAPOLIS—February 23, 2015—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations, announces today that its long-time associate conductor, Sigrid Johnson, will be retiring from the organization at the end of the 2014-2015 season. Johnson has… Read More →
Upcoming Dates: Happy Summer! AUDITIONS Auditions are now closed for the spring. We will have auditions again in the fall before the season begins. If you were unable to schedule an audition please contact audition@vocalessence.org. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any additional questions or concerns regarding the audition process. Lost &… Read More →
VocalEssence staff positions Executive Assistant Internships at VocalEssence VocalEssence seeks talented students to work in challenging internship positions throughout the organization. Internships at VocalEssence offer meaningful learning opportunities and on-the-job experiences to those who are interested in beginning careers in performing arts management and/or arts education. Sing with VocalEssence Auditions are required to join… Read More →
The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers “have a blend that could—and should—be the envy of every choir in the business.” Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Lauded by the Times of London as “polished, bright… Read More →
Hailed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “singing impeccably, making even the most complex harmonies sound transparent” and performing with “consummate professionalism,” the VocalEssence Chorus is an exceptional group of talented, committed singers from many walks of life. Equally at ease sharing the stage with famous guest artists such as Dessa and Sweet Honey In The… Read More →
“VocalEssence have a blend that could – and should – be the envy of every choir in the business.” —Alexandra Coghlan, Oxford Times (UK) “The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers are fully paid-up members of America’s choral Ivy League.” —Alexandra Coghlan, Oxford Times (UK) “A superbly blended sound.” —Terry Grimley, Birmingham Post (UK) “Polished, bright and brilliantly balanced.” — London Times (UK) “Exemplary… Read More →
Our staff is small but mighty. A combination of well-known leaders in the music industry, experts in non-profit management, and administrative dynamos, we ensure VocalEssence lives up to its reputation as one of the leading arts organizations in the nation. Take a minute to learn more about us. Artistic Staff (biographies) Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director… Read More →
Sing with Vocalessence— no audition required! Advance registration for this event is now closed. On-site registration will open at 1:30pm on Sunday, November 13th. We look forward to seeing you there! This fall, VocalEssence is offering two “Community Sings” where the public is invited to sing in a casual setting with conductors Sigrid Johnson and Philip… Read More →
