Dessa and Remix Composer-Mentor Tim Takach share their excitement about VocalEssence ReMix, a new program that offers up to four talented composers/songwriters a six-month one-on-one composer mentorship as they each write a choral work suitable for high school and college-level choirs. “If you make music, you compose, and you should consider applying for one… Read More →
If you are wondering what you missed during the first weekend of Welcome Christmas concerts, these two reviews will fill you in and inspire you to attend one of this weekend’s performances. “The highlight of this holiday season’s choral concerts will likely be A Light in the Stable, by English composer Alan Bullard, written expressly… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS recordings showcase the music of trailblazing African American composers — the soul of American classical music. This CD collection is out of print, but you can still order the individual CDs through Gothic Records. Please click the links below to learn more. Dance Like the Wind: Music of Today’s Black Composers Got the… 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 →
There is a group of young professionals in the Twin Cities who envision a world where choral music resonates with all people. And while they pursue a broad range of vocations and hail from a variety of locations, they are united by their love of choral music and are on a mission to engage the… Read More →
Mailing Address 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Street Address 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Parking The VocalEssence office is located in Plymouth Congregational Church at 1919 LaSalle Avenue in Minneapolis. Free parking is available in the church lots. You can enter the building using Door 1 that faces LaSalle Avenue. Press the button… Read More →
VocalEssence is able to accept in-kind donations. If you have new material or equipment that you believe would be suitable for VocalEssence, please contact the Director of Finance and Operations Jeff Bina, at jeff@vocalessence.org. All gifts will be acknowledged. Wish List: LightScribe Disc Labeler Kitchen cupboards or organizer for dishes, etc. Database programming and maintenance… Read More →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMTCe1c7iko&t=1s
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 →
VocalEssence Music Press is a dynamic music publishing company that offers a select group of emerging composers the opportunity to make their music available to choirs everywhere. And we offer choruses access to new music they can’t find anywhere else. Our mission is to help choruses, conductors and composers connect in meaningful ways by publishing… Read More →
Through VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!, selected composers from Mexico participate as artists-in-residence with elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and community organizations. The composers work directly with student choirs and community choruses throughout the year, becoming familiar with the ensembles and writing new music specifically for each. At the end of the school year, community and school partners present… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS is one of the nation’s premier initiatives celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive educational programs. Please visit the VocalEssence WITNESS Program History page to learn more about the background and inspiration behind the program. VocalEssence WITNESS School Program offers online workshops with experienced Teaching… Read More →
Permissions & Copyright The written and visual contents of the VocalEssence blog, including illustrations, are protected by copyright. Except for translations, you may not reproduce VocalEssence articles online or in print without first obtaining written permission. Please contact VocalEssence to obtain written consent. Once you receive permission, contact us let us know where and when… Read More →
1969 Philip Brunelle founds the Plymouth Church Music Series. 1970 Aaron Copland conducts a performance of his choral works aptly titled “In the Beginning.” 1973 Dominick Argento composes Jonah and the Whale, the first VocalEssence commission. 1973 Dave Brubeck Jazz legend performs the Midwest premiere of his To Hope: A Celebration. 1974 Garrison Keillor features… Read More →
After more than 50 years of championing the power act of singing together, VocalEssence has been recognized by organizations around the world. We received the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for adventurous programming of contemporary music six times and has been honored with more Chorus America awards than any other ensemble nationwide, including the once-in-an-organizational-lifetime Margaret Hillis… Read More →
