VocalEssence celebrates singing as an essential human expression. Artistic quality, passion for singing together, and reputation for engaging people are hallmarks of our impact. As our community changes, we have developed this strategic plan to address our future in three key areas, keeping singing together at the center of our work.
“INSPIRED”—was the word used most frequently by patrons to describe their engagement with VocalEssence during the 2021-2022 season. Inspiration was at the center of everything we did this year: Our Chorus and Ensemble Singers were inspired to return to singing in person at venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE YOUTH CHOIR—‘SINGERS OF THIS AGE’—TO MOTIVATE AND ENCOURAGE AUDIENCES WITH “CHANGE SINGS,” A DYNAMIC INVITATION TO ACTIVISM New music is inspired by the writings of Presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman MINNEAPOLIS—December 8, 2022—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations, presents Change Sings, April 22,… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE AND FAMED SINGER/COMPOSER MOIRA SMILEY PREMIERE NEW WORKS IN “SINGING THE WORLD AWAKE” Celebrate the joy of collaboration and singing together at Ordway Concert Hall on May 12 MINNEAPOLIS—December 8, 2022—VocalEssence, one of the world’s premier choral music organizations, has commissioned two new works from innovative… Read More →
On Saturday, October 29, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) had the opportunity to perform an inspiring evening of music at Reconcile: Singing Hope Into the World. VESOTA was joined by the Prince of Peace Celebration Choir, Minnesota Saints Chorale, A Cappella Choir from Westwood Lutheran Church, and special guest Joe Davis, who is an…
by Robert Atendido Twin Cities Geek | October 13, 2022 https://twincitiesgeek.com/2022/10/vocalessence-a-minnesota-choral-institution-returns-for-its-54th-season/ In classical music circles, Minnesota has long been known as a center for choral music. In addition to world-renowned college choirs, such as the ones at St. Olaf, Concordia, and Gustavus Adolphus, the Twin Cities alone have dozens of different choral groups that one could… Read More →
The VocalEssence WITNESS School Program is an exciting opportunity for Minnesota students and teachers to learn more about the contributions African Americans have made, and are making, to the fine arts. 2020-2021 VocalEssence WITNESS: Will you be a Witness? Movements of Social Change Throughout history and across many cultures, music and movement, art and creative expression have all… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE ‘WELCOME CHRISTMAS’ CONCERT MOVES TO NORTHROP, FILLING A BIGGER VENUE WITH A GIANT BLAST OF HOLIDAY JOY For the First Time, All VocalEssence Ensembles Join Together on One Stage–Dec. 10 & 11 MINNEAPOLIS—August 23, 2022—It’s a beloved annual holiday tradition for many, and this year,… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com CELEBRATE MUSICAL SIBLINGS FELIX AND FANNY WITH VOCALESSENCE 2022-23 SEASON OPENER—“THE MENDELSSOHNS” Two prolific Romantic-era composers, one extraordinary program of music—October 15 MINNEAPOLIS—August 1, 2022—This fall, VocalEssence will feature compositions by siblings Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel side by side in a single program, The Mendelssohns. The… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 SEASON, “SINGING THE WORLD AWAKE,” CELEBRATING THE JOY AND POWER OF SINGING All VocalEssence choirs will perform together for the first time in monumental new season MINNEAPOLIS—June 22, 2022—VocalEssence—one of the world’s premier choral music organizations—is thrilled to announce (in four-part harmony of course) its 2022-2023 concert season.… Read More →
By Ross Raihala | rraihala@pioneerpress.com Pioneer Press | May 5, 2022 https://www.twincities.com/2022/05/05/police-drummer-stewart-copeland-vocalessence-satans-fall-concert/ Stewart Copeland is best known as the drummer in the Police. (He’s also known as the guy who broke lead singer Sting’s rib in a band-related fight.) But the 69-year-old didn’t stop making music when the Police called it a day in 1986. Instead, he focused… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE AND FAMED ROCK DRUMMER STEWART COPELAND OF THE POLICE PRESENT PARADISE LOST-INSPIRED ORATORIO “SATAN’S FALL” Regional premiere at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—May 8 MINNEAPOLIS—March 31, 2021—VocalEssence will present the regional premiere of Satan’s Fall, the choral work composed by famed British rock drummer Stewart Copeland and… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 jennifer@owl-marketing.com DIVERSE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE CELEBRATE COMMUNITY IN “CHOOSING LOVE” CONCERT Young singers with uplifting message of acceptance perform at the Ordway in St Paul, April 24 MINNEAPOLIS—March 31, 2022—Reimagining our community as a beloved source of acceptance, affirmation, and love for every… Read More →
Grand Rapids Herald Review | March 18, 2022 https://www.grandrapidsmn.com/news/vocalessence-takes-the-music-of-bob-dylan-on-a-minnesota-tour/article_f3180904-a4a9-11ec-aa15-a795169a94f8.html From Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet, Bob Dylan’s music has been covered by just about everyone. Members of the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will present their own take on Minnesota’s native son. “The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan,”… Read More →
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…
