On this Monday episode we explore the contributions of Dr. Patricia Bath, Ophthalmologist, Inventor, Humanitarian, and educator, who invented the laser cataract surgery called the Lazerphaco Probe. Our musical pairing is “I’ll Be Seeing You,” by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) Notable Achievements: Dr. Patricia Bath discovered and invented a new… Read More →
On this Sunday edition of Take 5, GPS continues our exploration of Black Excellence by highlighting the contributions of well-known figures. George Washington Carver is regarded is the most influential African American scientist of the early 20th century, with well over 100 inventions credited to his work. Gospel music icon, Rev. James Cleveland, inspires and… Read More →
On this twentieth day in our series honoring Black Excellence, GPS introduces us to the ground breaking invention of Marie Van Brittan Brown, who created something that many use each day either when leaving their house or heading to sleep. Speaking of sleep, our musical inspiration comes in the form of a song made popular… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carl Heinrich Graun. Carl Heinrich Graun 1704-1759 Carl Heinrich Graun was a German composer of operas and sacred music, known especially for his Passion oratorio Der Tod Jesu. Graun was a chorister in Dresden, and… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Thea Musgrave. Thea Musgrave b. 1928 Rich and powerful musical language and a strong sense of drama make Scottish-American composer Thea Musgrave one of the most respected contemporary composers in the Western world. Born in… Read More →
Today marks the eleventh day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of James Edward Maceo West, a research professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University and member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. West… Read More →
VocalEssence is celebrating Black Excellence. As part of its daily pandemic show, Take 5 with GPS, VocalEssence will showcase Black achievement in the arts and beyond each day of Black History Month, and will celebrate notable Black Women for each day of Women’s History Month.
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Rollo Dilworth. Rollo Dilworth b.1970 Rollo Dilworth is an American choral composer, arranger, conductor, and music educator best-known for his contemporary choral arrangements of African American spirituals. As a young boy growing up in St.… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Dale Trumbore. Dale Trumbore b. 1987 Dale Trumbore is a Los Angeles-based composer and writer whose music features soaring melodies and beguiling harmonies. Trumbore holds a dual degree in Music Composition and English from the… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Henry Purcell. This episode features Soprano Maria Jette. Henry Purcell 1659-1695 Henry Purcell, the most important English composer of his time, is best remembered for his more than 100 songs, a tragic opera, his… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Federico Mompou. This episode features Soprano Maria Jette. Federico Mompou 1893-1987 A piano miniaturist and songwriter, Catalan composer, Federico Mompou created a small but highly personal body of work. He began to study the piano… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Knut Nystedt. Knut Nystedt 1915-2014 Knut Nystedt was a Norwegian composer, conductor, organist, and music teacher. Living to age 99 he held a central position throughout a long period of rapidly shifting musical currents. With… Read More →
By BECCA MOST | bmost@pioneerpress.com | St. Paul Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: January 14, 2021 at 9:12 p.m. | UPDATED: January 14, 2021 at 10:45 p.m. https://www.twincities.com/2021/01/14/ways-to-celebrate-mlk-day-in-the-twin-cities/ Although the pandemic has prevented many from celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in person this year, many events will still take place virtually. Saturday, Jan. 16 The VocalEssence… Read More →
“The two of us watched your musical moments together each day and they truly were the highlight of his day.” —Tracy Rode, Jack Cole’s daughter Jack and Ann Cole were treasured by so many, including VocalEssence. We are humbled to know that Philip Brunelle’s Musical Moments were such a comfort to Jack in his last… Read More →
