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 →
So many thoughts fill my mind thinking of dear Sigrid, affectionately known to all singers as “Ears Johnson” for she truly had the most amazing way of discerning the sound of each individual voice. For 24 years at VocalEssence she was my colleague, my musical conscience, a joyful supporter for a great realm of music,…
By Sheila Regan MinnPost | March 3, 2022 https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2022/03/midwinter-heats-up-with-plethora-of-weekend-events/?fbclid=IwAR0tuVjmxPdbyAK319SueeYnXugY5Lns98LMibnlx4rUYX24uoEBDh2EveI There’s flamenco happening in St. Paul at Park Square, and gallery reception happening at Macalester with four really interesting artists that are looking at history and memory in unusual ways. Congratulations. We’ve gotten past the direst cold months and welcome a reprieve as we officially enter “midwinter.”… Read More →
by John Birge YourClassical | February 28, 2022 https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2022/02/28/send-in-the-voices A world of great voices comes to the Land of 10,000 choirs this week. Honored with the title “Choir of the World” at the World Choir Games in 2017, The Aeolians is a student choir from Oakwood University, an HBCU in Huntsville Alabama. They inspire you… Read More →
By Chris Riemenschneider, Jon Bream and Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | March 2, 2022 https://www.startribune.com/the-big-gigs-10-concerts-to-see-in-the-twin-cities-dua-lipa-connie-han-kiss-the-tiger-rick-wakeman/600152050/ Live music highlights for March 4-9 include Dua Lipa, First Ave’s Best New Bands, the Beths, VocalEssence and more. Friday, March 4 First Avenue’s Best New Bands: Don’t worry, the two-month postponement of this annual roundup of Minnesota buzzmakers didn’t take away any of… Read More →
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About VocalEssence Founded in 1969, as a music outreach program of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis Incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1979 Annual Budget: $2 million Endowment/Artistic Advancement Fund: $6 million (established 1987) STAFF 10 full-time, 2 part-time, 3 contractors Executive Director: Mary Ann Aufderheide Artistic Director and Founder: Philip Brunelle Associate…
By Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | December 23, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/performers-pivoted-and-voices-rose-sounding-notes-of-optimism-on-the-classical-scene/600129797/ KYNDELL HARKNESS, STAR TRIBUNE G. Phillip Shoultz III led a rehearsal for the “Voices Rising” concert. 1. “Voices Rising: A Choral Affirmation of Black Lives,” June 16: VocalEssence’s G. Phillip Shoultz III led singers from 12 Twin Cities choirs in a powerful program of new… Read More →
by NHL Public Relations @PR_NHL December 16, 2021 https://www.nhl.com/news/2022-winter-classic-to-celebrate-state-of-hockey/c-329066106 U.S. women’s Olympic team will be named; eight pond hockey rinks part of outdoor game NEW YORK — Minnesota’s exalted status as the ‘State of Hockey’ will be the centerpiece of the revelry surrounding the 2022 Discover NHL Winter Classic®, the sold-out New Year’s Day outdoor matchup between… Read More →
VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The VocalEssence Board of Directors is comprised of up to 30 members who represent a wide range of backgrounds including corporate, non-profit, education, community, and leadership experience. Current Board Fast Facts 2022-23 Budget VocalEssence in the Community Mission, Vision, Values, adopted in 2022…
Hear carols from around the world, featuring the joyous sounds of more than 200 voices, brass and percussion, Northrop’s pipe organ, and a rousing sing-along sure to ignite your holiday spirit!
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 →
VocalEssence is in search of volunteers to help with the logistics for our holiday concerts. When we’re at churches around the community, our volunteers are the heart and soul of making the event go smoothly when our audience arrives. With the pandemic, we’re in need of many hands to help make the work easier and… 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 →
This fall, VocalEssence welcomed seven new members to our board of directors. We are thrilled to introduce you to our new directors! Cassie Garnett, Senior Director of Human Resources at Ecolab. Garnett drives strategic talent initiatives for the global function of more than 1,200 employees in areas of development, diversity, organizational design and employee relations.… Read More →
