Q: What are some common Planned Gift options? A: Wills: Remembering VocalEssence in your will allows you to retain the use of your assets during your lifetime while making a significant contribution to the organization. Charitable gifts made through your will are fully deductible for estate tax purposes, as the law allows. Please consult your…  Read More →

2019: Carols with violin Travis M. Ramsey (Etna, NH) Little Lamb, Who Made Thee Paul John Rudoi (Eugene, OR) The Orbit Carol 2018: Carols with oboe Mark Shepperd (Woodbury, MN) O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild Stephen Shewan (Medina, NY) The Little Cradle Rocks Tonight 2017: Carols for a cappella chorus Nancy Gifford (Doylestown, PA) Fill…  Read More →

VocalEssence WITNESS is critical for many of the students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a professional event at a major concert hall. We believe that an educational and performance experience such as VocalEssence WITNESS gives students an opportunity to learn from exceptional role models, increasing their self-esteem and creating a desire…  Read More →

VocalEssence WITNESS is one of the nation’s premier initiatives celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive educational programs. Please visit the VocalEssence WITNESS Program History page to learn more about the background and inspiration behind the program. VocalEssence WITNESS School Program offers online workshops with experienced Teaching…  Read More →

Through VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!, selected composers from Mexico participate as artists-in-residence with elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and community organizations. The composers work directly with student choirs and community choruses throughout the year, becoming familiar with the ensembles and writing new music specifically for each. At the end of the school year, community and school partners present…  Read More →

1969 Philip Brunelle founds the Plymouth Church Music Series. 1970 Aaron Copland conducts a performance of his choral works aptly titled “In the Beginning.” 1973 Dominick Argento composes Jonah and the Whale, the first VocalEssence commission. 1973 Dave Brubeck Jazz legend performs the Midwest premiere of his To Hope: A Celebration. 1974 Garrison Keillor features…  Read More →

Director of Development phone 612-547-1452 fax 612-547-1484 elissa@vocalessence.org Elissa Weller is Director of Development for VocalEssence, overseeing all philanthropic efforts for the organization including individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding sources, major gifts, special events and fundraisers. In her role, she oversees the Development and Gala committees. Elissa joined VocalEssence in 2007 as the Chorus…  Read More →

Executive Director phone 612-547-1454 fax 612-547-1464 maryann@vocalessence.org Mary Ann Aufderheide joined VocalEssence as managing director in 2003. Under her leadership she has firmly established the VocalEssence brand name as representing excellence in choral music and community engagement programs. During her tenure the organization has expanded its core of professional singers who tour regionally and internationally;…  Read More →

Foundations VocalEssence enjoys extraordinary support from a wide variety of foundations that believe in our work. Foundation trustees and program officers are confident that VocalEssence will deliver outcomes for our audience members and program participants that meet and many times surpass their expectations. Funding partners include but are not limited to: Albrecht Family Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation…  Read More →

From ushering at our concerts to assisting with special projects throughout the year in our office, VocalEssence is grateful for the talents and support of our many volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our general interest form. To see current volunteer opportunities and sign up, view our volunteer job calendar.  …  Read More →

Founded in 1969, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence has decades of history as one of the world’s premier choral music organizations. But despite its global influence, VocalEssence has kept its focus local—consistently pioneering ways to strengthen Minnesota’s community through thrilling musical experiences. What We Do At VocalEssence, we engage people of all ages and cultures in our community…  Read More →

Sing with us! On any given day, in towns both large and small, choirs across the country present hundreds of beautiful concerts. While audiences and choir singers alike have long understood the intrinsic value of singing together, the 2019 Chorus Impact Study commissioned by Chorus America also shows us that participation in choirs cultivates positive…  Read More →

VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs are specifically designed for people ages 0-100+ to connect, create, and learn across cultures. In each of our programs, we: Connect people with renowned choral experts —giving them the opportunity to learn directly from exceptional role models. Blend music and the study of cultures present in Minnesota’s diverse population. Provide…  Read More →

Singing has always been a community activity. For generations upon generations, people have come together in song to celebrate, mourn, praise, and inspire each other. For nearly half a century, VocalEssence has been dedicated to keeping that essential human tradition alive. With exhilarating concert performances, ground-breaking educational programming, and tireless advocacy for choral music, VocalEssence…  Read More →

Attending a VocalEssence event has been described as “invigorating,” “inspiring,” and “transcendent.”  And, that’s because behind every exciting concert and class is a commitment to harness the power of singing together to enrich Minnesota’s communities. At VocalEssence, we believe when we sing together, we succeed together. We invite you to be a part of it:…  Read More →