Vibrant music from the crossroads — South and North, African and American, church and street — characterizes the era between 1914 and 1930. Jearlyn Steele, soprano; Michael Forest, tenor; Paul Shaw, piano; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. “The works on this excellent recording [by VocalEssence] capture the spirit of the… Read More →
Thought-provoking and moving music by eight modern composers spans the range of expression from solo cello to chorus, from jazz ensemble to woodwind quintet. Anthony Elliott, cello; Yolanda Williams, Dan Dressen, Maria Jette, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. “Beautifully sung with fine choral balance.” —Gramophone
William Grant Still’s music for chorus, orchestra and organ brings the blues into the concert hall, ragtime to the ballet stage and the Old World into a new era. William Warfield, narrator; Hilda Harris, Yolanda Williams, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; special guests Leigh Morris Chorale: Philip Brunelle, conductor. “I found much… Read More →
Stirring spirituals and rousing gospel melodies sung by a superb chorus. VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra and jazz band; special guests Moore by Four; Philip Brunelle, conductor “Flawless choral singing, presented with a genuine feeling of compassion and warmth.” — BBC Music Magazine
The world premiere recording of Conrad Susa’s beloved Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, plus a delightful collection of carols from around the world, tied together by their diversity and charm. Featuring the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with woodwinds, cello, bass, harp, guitar and percussion under the direction of conductor Philip Brunelle.
Clarion CLR932CD Reflecting our shared American heritage like a patchwork quilt, this is a charming collection of folksongs performed by conductor Philip Brunelle and the 32-voice VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with guitar, harmonica, accordion, bass and piano. Classic arrangements by the likes of Norman Luboff, Alice Parker and Robert Shaw capture each folksong’s unique appeal.
Storyteller Garrison Keillor and conductor Philip Brunelle lead a harmonious celebration of all things Thanksgiving with the melodious voices of the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and their special guests, singer Jearlyn Steele and pianist Richard Dworsky. Along the way we learn that Thanksgiving really isn’t all about the turkey — it’s actually all about… Read More →
If John Nuechterlein’s organization, the American Composers Forum (ACF), resembles in any way, shape or form the one founded by Philip Brunelle at VocalEssence, that’s probably not completely accidental. The symmetry between the two men—and the non-profits—is striking if not remarkable. And, of course, musically correct. One might even say that the Composers Forum is… Read More →
On their most recent international tour, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music as part of the VocalEssence Asia Pacific Tour, August 9 – 13. In Seoul they performed for an audience of 7,500 at the Nyungsung Presbyterian Church service, singing “Amazing Grace” with… Read More →
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle, conductor In 1998, VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum joined forces to offer an annual contest encouraging the composition of new carols. Over the years hundreds of worthy carols have been submitted. “Behold This Heavenly Night” presents the world premiere of some of these contest-winning carols alongside outstanding arrangements… Read More →
Hymn to Potatoes (and other choral masterworks from A Prairie Home Companion) featuring Garrison Keillor and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Who knew a choir could be this funny? Garrison Keillor, Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers dish up a generous helping of Potatoes a la Schubert, run away to Europe to indulge their “Shenandoah”… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com HAIL! MINNESOTA, LAND OF 10,000 LAKES, CHOIRS — AND COMPOSERS VocalEssence opens 46th season with Made in Minnesota, including premiere from hip hop artist Dessa and debut of Dominick Argento’s latest opus MINNEAPOLIS—August 20, 2014—Minneapolis-based choral ensemble VocalEssence is going local for its 46th season opener Made in Minnesota, a concert… Read More →
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 →
The purpose for this award is to uphold high standards of excellence in repertoire selection, to acknowledge and reward creativity in performing choral performance, and to affirm the importance of quality secondary and undergraduate choral training throughout the State of Minnesota. The Award for Creative Programming is presented annually in November by Philip Brunelle or… Read More →
The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers “have a blend that could—and should—be the envy of every choir in the business.” Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Lauded by the Times of London as “polished, bright… Read More →
