ABOUT VOCALESSENCE VocalEssence, called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts—and the choral ensemble that Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones says “sings magnificently”—impacts thousands of students, singers, and composers each year through its initiative programs, contests, and support for innovative…
By Alissa Musto | Medium Published: September 22, 2020 https://medium.com/music-with-a-purpose/choral-community-and-creativity-in-times-of-crisis-interview-with-philip-shoultz-of-vocalessence-28566863a57b #MusicWithAPurpose is a series dedicated to continuing the conversation surrounding music education and expression, both pre and post COVID. Today’s interview features Philip Shoultz, Associate Conductor and Director of Learning and Engagement for VocalEssence — a 52 year old performing arts organization based in… Read More →
SUNDAY 9/1/2019 and MONDAY 9/2/2019 The End and the Beginning We are home, and after the whirlwind of Saturday and Sunday, the dust has settled. I’m late in writing about our last days of our trip because I’m dazed, and it all seems like a dream. But then I open my Facebook page, and… Read More →
TUESDAY 8/27/2019 Hands We each went our own ways this morning and early afternoon. Some visited Frieda Kahlo’s house Casa Azul, some the Museo Nacional de Antropología, and some Castillo de Chapultepec. There is no end to the beauty and wonders of Mexico City. At 3:30 we put on our concert clothes and piled… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE AGAIN JOINS ICONIC MEXICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR PERFORMANCES Minneapolis-based choral ensemble will travel to Mexico for second summer to perform Verdi’s Requiem with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería MINNEAPOLIS — July 23, 2019 — The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have again been invited to join the legendary… Read More →
By Pamela Espeland MinnPost FEBRUARY 28, 2019 — 08:24AM https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/02/vocalessence-to-present-witness-times-two-joffrey-ballet-to-perform-anna-karenina/ VocalEssence was born in 1969 as the Plymouth Church Music Series. Just another concert series at a local church, founded by an ambitious, tireless and hypercreative choir director and organist named Philip Brunelle. In 2002, the Plymouth Music Series became VocalEssence. Today, Brunelle and his singers are… Read More →
By Ross Raihala | rraihala@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer Press February 25, 2019 at 7:00 am https://www.twincities.com/2019/02/25/vocalessences-51st-season-includes-family-concerts-festivals-and-a-moana-singalong/ A “Moana” movie singalong, the addition of a second Witness concert and a celebration of the music of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn are on tap for VocalEssence’s newly announced 51st season. Season tickets are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 5.… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann Jennifer@owl-marketing.com 612-716-0556 PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR VOCALESSENCE 2019-2020 SEASON Choral and community-building organization celebrates 30 years of VocalEssence WITNESS, honoring the contributions of African Americans to the arts MINNEAPOLIS — February 25, 2020—Heading into its second half-century stronger than ever, VocalEssence is ready to reveal the program for its… Read More →
A musical visionary and tireless self-promoter, VocalEssence founder Philip Brunelle is a world-renowned force.
By Pamela Espeland | December 7, 2018: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/12/arts-accessibility-nonprofit-to-close-in-2019-vocalessences-welcome-christmas-2018/ The picks Friday through Sunday: VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas 2018. For many Minnesotans, VocalEssence’s annual holiday concert is a beloved tradition. But there’s never been a Welcome Christmas concert like this. Along with a world premiere by composer Nico Muhly – Philip Glass’ former assistant, now one of the most sought-after composers… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com “STAR OF WONDER REIMAGINED” CONCERTS WELCOME YOUNG LISTENERS VocalEssence holiday shows for families move to Mia—Dec. 8 MINNEAPOLIS—October 23, 2018— “Concert manners” don’t apply when you’re filled with the holiday spirit, right? That’s why VocalEssence created Star of Wonder, a seasonal concert especially for families with toddlers… Read More →
by Kathy Berdan October 4, 2018: https://www.twincities.com/2018/10/04/vocalessence-50th-anniversary-concert-ordway-st-paul-philip-brunelle-aaron-copland-cantare/ Harmony through harmony. That’s a good description of what Twin Cities choral stalwart VocalEssence has been doing for half a century. Founder and director Philip Brunelle and the group’s 30-member professional Ensemble Singers recently returned from a trip to Mexico City, where they performed with 30 Mexican singers and a… Read More →
VocalEssence has just returned from conducting some “choral diplomacy” in Mexico. The trip to Mexico City—from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3— was a historic one. For ten years, Philip Brunelle has been visiting Mexico to meet and audition composers willing to fly up to Minnesota multiple times during the school year for VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!, staying a… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com IT’S BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS—WITH VOCALESSENCE! This year, the Minneapolis-based choral ensemble’s beloved annual Welcome Christmas concert will include a special 50th Anniversary Season retrospective and new pieces by composer Nico Muhly MINNEAPOLIS — September 18, 2018 — The VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers’ annual… Read More →
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 — 5:40PM http://www.startribune.com/readers-write-vocalessence-in-mexico/493346251/ Recently, it was the privilege of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to be invited to Mexico City as guests of the Symphonic Orchestra of Minería and the National University of Mexico funded by Fomento Educacional. The 30 professional Minnesota singers joined forces with 30 professional Mexican singers for a week… Read More →
