The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of VocalEssence. Board Officers Carolina Maranon-Cobos, President Program Manager, Institute for Advanced Study, University of Minnesota Torrie Allen, Vice President President and CEO, Arts Midwest Daniel Fernelius,… Read More →
For 50 years, VocalEssence has been a leader in fiscal responsibility in Minnesota. We have never ended a fiscal year with a deficit. Below are links to our recent audits and 990s. If you have questions about our financial information, please contact: Mary Ann Aufderheide | Executive Director info@vocalessence.org 612-547-1451 Downloadable PDF Size VocalEssence FY2021… Read More →
These annual reports describe the many ways VocalEssence is impacting the community through song. Click the button below to see the 2021-2022 Annual Report as well as some of the most recent reports for VocalEssence. 2021-2022 Annual Report 2018-2019 Annual Report (PDF) 2017-2018 Annual Report (PDF) 2016-2017 Annual Report (PDF) 2015-2016 Annual Report (PDF) 2014-2015… Read More →
Thank you for your interest in VocalEssence and all that we do—and are—as a leading arts organization. As we engage our community through our innovative choral programming, education programs, elder learning initiatives and choral advocacy, we have garnered many media mentions and reviews, some of which we have compiled. We offer press professionals access to the following… 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 →
The VocalEssence name is synonymous with excellence in choral performance. Internationally, our choruses are recognized for their flawless sound, innovative programming, and commitment to today’s composers. Closer to home, our concert series have been a well-known Minnesota tradition for more than 50 years. Learn more about VocalEssence performing ensembles: VocalEssence Chorus—Our 110-voice chorus was called… 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 →
Whether you are an experienced composer, a singer-songwriter interested in writing choral music, or a high school choir director who embraces the importance of creativity in programming, VocalEssence wants to engage you further in the choral arts. Check out these opportunities and join us in song. The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota Creative Programming Award, sponsored… 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 →
By Ross Raihala Posted: 3/8/2013 Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com VocalEssence has announced its 45th season and no one is happier to hit that milestone than founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle. “For me, it means I’m halfway to 90 years,” he said. “I’m going to do this forever. There’s so much more choral music that needs to… Read More →
By: GRAYDON ROYCE, Star Tribune Posted: March 28, 2014 Two of the Twin Cities’ leading vocal choruses have announced their programs for the 2014-15 season. VocalEssence opens Oct. 26 featuring music of Minnesota composers Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus and Libby Larsen. In addition, hip-hop artist Dessa makes her choral premiere. The Ensemble Singers will tour with… Read More →
News ReleaseContact: Becky Bailey or Katrina Vander Kooi612-309-7149 or 612-547-1472bbailey@carrerainc.com orkvanderkooi@vocalessence.org Order WITNESS Concert Tickets Download High Res Photos MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Nov. 21, 2012) — VocalEssence is proudly continuing its rich 23-year tradition of celebrating diversity and honoring African American artists with its popular WITNESS program. This year VocalEssence celebrates the inspiring story of musical… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS (May 16, 2011) Today Ana Luisa Fajer, the Consul of Mexico in St. Paul, presented VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle with the Ohtli Recognition Award at the quarterly VocalEssence board meeting in downtown Minneapolis. Once a year, the government of Mexico presents this award to a civilian living outside the country for contributions made to the empowerment of Mexican… Read More →
For Immediate Release Contact: Katryn Conlin, 612-547-1459 Minneapolis (March 23, 2006) — In a year to be highlighted by American vocal masterpieces, VocalEssence will crown its 2006-2007 concert season with Illuminating Bolcom, a two-week festival in April 2007 celebrating the music of one of the United States’ greatest living composers: William Bolcom. "Because of… Read More →
