In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Steve Heitzeg. This episode includes a world premiere written by Steve called Water on Rocks Waltz, which was composed in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and is dedicated to Will Steger. Steve… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jocelyn Hagen. Jocelyn Hagen b. 1980 Jocelyn Hagen is a distinguished and innovative composer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hagen’s musical talents were apparent from an early age, as she accompanied a choir in Valley City,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Randall Davidson. Randall Davidson b. 1953 Minnesota composer Randall Davidson is praised for the originality, humor, and passion in his works. Davidson studied at Cornell College under Alf Houkom and at the University of Minnesota… Read More →
Ballet dancers, jazz musicians, the Minnesota Orchestra, VocalEssence—they’re keeping us entertained and themselves in good shape By Erik Tormoen https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/arts-entertainment/feeling-fine-with-the-fine-arts-6-ways-to-enjoy-online/ G. Phillip Shoultz III, conductor of the Twin Cities’ VocalEssence choral ensemble, sits at a piano, belting Ella Fitzgerald’s “Blue Skies,” livestreaming from his home—because it’s another morning of self-quarantine, and this is what he’s doing… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Paul Manz. Paul Manz 1919-2009 Composer and organist Paul Manz is known for his widely-admired motet “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come” and for the hymn festivals he organized and led. Manz attended Concordia River… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Stephen Paulus. Stephen Paulus 1949-2014 Prolific American composer Stephen Paulus composed over six hundred works, including four hundred choral pieces. He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota, where he… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Libby Larsen. Libby Larsen b. 1950 Minneapolis composer Libby Larsen is one of the most frequently performed living composers, with over five hundred works in nearly every genre. Larsen was born in Delaware and studied… Read More →
We hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. Below is a status update of our upcoming events. Sing with Us Virtually While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carol Barnett. Carol Barnett b. 1949 Minneapolis composer Carol Barnett was born in Dubuque, Iowa, was raised in Minnesota and was a lover of music from childhood. She attended the University of Minnesota for her… Read More →
VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz explains (3:23). WCCO Mid-Morning – March 30, 2020 https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/4497007-sounds-of-hope-for-a-trying-time/
By ROB HUBBARD | Special to the Pioneer Press March 28, 2020 at 1:37 p.m. Article: https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/28/coronavirus-classical-what-you-can-do-to-get-an-earful-of-orchestra-or-opera/ While you sometimes have to look long and hard to find positives amid the COVID-19 crisis, one may be that folks who used to think of themselves as consumers of art now recognize that they are part of an artistic… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer David Evan Thomas. David Evan Thomas b. 1958 The music of Minneapolis composer David Evan Thomas, born in Rochester, New York, has been described as playful, warm, expressive, and radiant. Thomas has degrees from Northwestern… Read More →
Our thoughts are with you and your families as we write this. While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. We encourage regular visits to vocalessence.org, and will offer updates by email on how we can continue to sing together… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Dominick Argento. Dominick Argento 1927-2019 American composer Dominick Argento, born in York, Pennsylvania and based for much of his life in Minneapolis, is perhaps best known for his solo vocal and operatic works. He has… Read More →
Engaging one of our choirs provides a meaningful experience for your guests, gives our singers unique performance opportunities and supports our ability to continue transforming lives by singing together, assuring a place for everyone’s voice. All of our choirs are available for engagement: VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Chorus—Our 110-voice chorus was called “one of the irreplaceable… Read More →
