Learning and Engagement Manager phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 rhiannon@vocalessence.org Rhiannon Fiskradatz is a lifelong theatre artist whose work across a broad range of mediums displays a penchant for cross pollination. After earning a theatre arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2002, Rhiannon built her multifaceted career performing physical theatre &… Read More →
In preparation for the 3rd Annual Together We Sing Festival, VocalEssence Associate Conductor Phillip Shoultz has devoted time this summer to developing a relationship with Ujamaa Place. After meeting with Executive Director, Otis Zanders, and touring the facilities, Phillip recently led his first talk in a series of presentations that will explore, “Sharing Your Truth:… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has had a whirlwind summer (nothing unusual!) beginning in early June with a trip to New York City meeting with Nico Muhly, composer of the new cantata being written for our Welcome Christmas concerts. The visit also included meetings with several composers and interviews about the upcoming 50th anniversary season. Then… Read More →
VocalEssence is pleased to announce the following winners of the 21st annual VocalEssence Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who applied. Sponsored by the American Composers Forum and VocalEssence, the contest is open to composers of all ages, and this season composers were asked to write a carol… Read More →
Philip Brunelle has been the song leader of the Twin Cities for 50 years. But how he got there? It wasn’t all a joyful song. by Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl June 18, 2018: http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/how-philip-brunelle-became-the-twin-cities-song-leader/ Philip Brunelle is 75 years old and an international icon in choir circles, and if you follow him around on a typical Tuesday night… Read More →
Musician/Pianist Anita Ruth has been active in the Twin Cities theatrical and musical circles for over 35 years. After serving as musical director for over 80 shows at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, she has led a varied and exciting life as a freelance musician and educator. She spent eight years with the Children’s Theater Company in… Read More →
Musician/Singer/Actor Regional Emmy Award-winning actor, vocalist, arts educator and community organizer T. Mychael Rambo has made an indelible mark in the Twin Cities performing principle roles at such theaters as Penumbra, the Guthrie, Ordway, Illusion Theatre, Mixed Blood, Park Square Theatre, Children’s Theatre and Minnesota Opera, to name but a few. Nationally and internationally his… Read More →
Singer/Songwriter/Actress Ginger Commodore is a singer, songwriter and actress who enjoys an illustrious career in the Twin Cities area. She is an original member of the Grammy Award-winning singing ensemble The Sounds of Blackness and several local Gospel groups. She is also an original member of the vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four. She’s shared… Read More →
Dancer/Choreographer For 22 years, Patricia Brown has been an active member of the Twin Cities arts community as a dancer, instructor, choreographer, and performer. She is an African-based movement instructor whose fusion style is rooted in dance of West Africa, other African regions, the Caribbean, and Americas. Incorporating various forms of artistic expression, her classes… Read More →
Vocalist/Composer/Percussionist Dr. Timothy Berry began singing in his father’s church at age 5 where his mother was the pianist and choir director. He has played hand drums since age 12. His eclectic performance background including: The Urban Flavor Band; Leigh Morris Chorale; Penumbra Theater; MN Opera; Contempo Dance Physical; Minnesota State University Repertory Dance Theater;… Read More →
VocalEssence connects senior citizens with the social and mental health benefits of group singing through its Vintage Voices program. VocalEssence Vintage Voices meets seniors on their own turf, providing choral instruction at senior centers and residences. This spring, the program is sponsoring choirs at three different locations: Trillium Woods in Plymouth, Sabathani Senior Center in… Read More →
Each season VocalEssence hosts a festival created by you for you to connect, sing, and give back to the community. Join us for Together We Sing Festival 2020 at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday, January 18, 2020. Learn more and register here.
While the busy holiday season is behind them, the new year holds plenty of exciting projects for our in-demand conductors, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Our Ensemble Singers are putting the final polish on their preparations for the Super Bowl LIVE kickoff concert. Philip Brunelle is leading them in… Read More →
December is a music-filled month for our hard-working conductors, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. They led performers in introducing a new generation of choral music fans to holiday carols in the sold out Star of Wonder concerts, and carried on a beloved tradition with the Welcome Christmas concert series.… Read More →
WISHES AND CANDLES Stephen Paulus We have a wish for each candle we light, Making the holidays shiny and bright. A wish for the children, the young and the old, To never go hungry, to never be cold. Wishes and candles and love and laughter, Memories we’ll treasure forever after. Families are gathered with presents… Read More →
