The vision of VocalEssence is to transform lives by singing together, assuring a place for everyone’s voice. One way we have been living out this vision is through our work with residents who attend the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul and the Senior Center at the Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis, many… Read More →
By Pamela Espeland | December 7, 2018: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/12/arts-accessibility-nonprofit-to-close-in-2019-vocalessences-welcome-christmas-2018/ The picks Friday through Sunday: VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas 2018. For many Minnesotans, VocalEssence’s annual holiday concert is a beloved tradition. But there’s never been a Welcome Christmas concert like this. Along with a world premiere by composer Nico Muhly – Philip Glass’ former assistant, now one of the most sought-after composers… Read More →
byAlaina Rooke | December 5, 2018: https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/community/a-measured-breath-but-no-rest-for-golden-valley-music/article_74816f46-f75e-11e8-9af1-b771ceaf37f4.html Top Minnesota choir director and longtime resident Philip Brunelle looks to 50th year “One of my mottos is you don’t know if you don’t ask,” explained Philip Brunelle of attracting top guest talent to VocalEssence, a premier choral organization he founded in 1969. “You have a 50-percent chance of… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune December 5, 2018 — 1:50PM: http://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-wishes-listeners-a-contemporary-christmas-with-annual-holiday-concert/501996531/ MUSIC REVIEW: VocalEssence looks to the future with its holiday concert. Looking back over half a century, there’s an understandable tendency to get all dewy-eyed and sentimental. But that was hardly the impression left by “Welcome Christmas,” the annual VocalEssence holiday… Read More →
By Rob Hubbard | Special to the Pioneer Press December 2, 2018—4:30PM | UPDATED: December 2, 2018—4:43PM: https://www.twincities.com/2018/12/02/review-vocalessences-welcome-christmas-best-when-ringing-in-the-new/ It never gets old. Such could be said of the repertoire at VocalEssence’s annual “Welcome Christmas” concerts. If you want to hear a choir singing familiar carols at this time of year, you’d best look elsewhere, for this Minneapolis-based choral… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com Vocalessence Joins Iconic Mexican Symphony Orchestra For Beethoven And Brahms Performances Minneapolis-based choral ensemble will travel to Mexico to perform for the 40th Anniversary of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería MINNEAPOLIS — July 5, 2018 — The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have been invited to join the legendary Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería (OSM)… Read More →
Don Shelby has been involved “one way or another” with VocalEssence for the past 25 years, since he first appeared in a production of “Of Thee I Sing.” Now Don is on the board of VocalEssence, and the award-winning former news reporter and anchor has taken on other roles as well. “I’ve played the role… Read More →
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 →
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 →
Sample Program I O Praise the Lord of Heaven (William Billings) The Day Is Done (Stephen Paulus) Zuni Sunrise Song (Brent Michael Davids) Zion’s Walls (Aaron Copland) Oh Susannah (Stephen Foster, arr. Edwin Fissinger) Dixie (Daniel Emmet [attributed], arr. Norman Luboff) Camptown Races (Stephen Foster, arr. Jack Halloran) “Gloria” from The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (Carol Barnett)… 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 →
