In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Mark Kilstofte. Mark Kilstofte b. 1958 Mark Kilstofte is admired as a composer of lyrical line, engaging harmony, strong, dramatic gesture and keen sensitivity to sound, shape and event. His music has garnered a… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Henryk Górecki. Henryk Górecki 1933-2010 Henryk Górecki was a Polish composer whose somber Symphony No. 3 enjoyed extraordinary international popularity in the late 20th century. Górecki studied at the Music Academy of Katowice, Poland. The… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Giovanni Gabrieli. Giovanni Gabrieli 1557-1612 Giovanni Gabrieli was an Italian Renaissance composer, organist, and teacher celebrated for his sacred music, including massive choral and instrumental motets for the liturgy. While not much is known about… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Alexandre Gretchaninov. Alexandre Gretchaninov 1864-1956 Alexandre Gretchaninov was a prolific composer from Russia’s Romantic age who explored the art of musical writing within an extensive number of genres and forms. Gretchaninov began his studies with… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Richard Dirksen. Richard Dirksen 1921-2003 American composer, Richard Dirksen, was well known for his liturgical pieces and his service as organist and choirmaster at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Awarded a scholarship, he studied… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Larry Farrow. Larry Farrow b. Larry Farrow is an American composer, arranger, producer, conductor and keyboardist, clinician, and teacher known for his compositions rooted in the southern gospel tradition. He began taking lessons on the… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Harold Friedell. Harold Friedell 1905-1958 Harold Friedell was an American organist, educator, and composer of a large number of choral anthems and solo organ pieces. Born in Jamaica, New York he became the organist of… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Arthur Foote. Arthur Foote 1853-1937 Arthur Foote, was an American church musician, influential music teacher, and a leading member of a group of composers known as the “Boston Six.” Foote was especially known for chamber… Read More →
By SHEILA REGAN Pioneer Press | December 4, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/12/04/music-review-vocalessence-bach-society-deliver-healthy-dose-of-rejoicing-in-christmas-oratorio/ Decked out with birch trees and wreaths, the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis brought in the Christmas season when the combined forces of VocalEssence and the Bach Society of Minnesota presented four of the six Cantatas that make up Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.” Situated… Read More →
By Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | DECEMBER 1, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/reignite-your-holiday-traditions-with-8-great-concerts-by-twin-cities-classical-groups/600122571/?refresh=true From a bounty of Bach to a Kate DiCamillo opera, there’s plenty on tap. Stop-motion animator Erin Pollock made a video to accompany Minnesota Opera’s “Edward Tulane Choral Suite,” streaming for free starting Dec. 13. Last December proved a winter of discontent for those who… Read More →
By Sheila Regan Pioneer Press | November 27, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/27/holiday-arts-classical-musics-carols-and-melodies-bring-sense-of-togetherness/ Sing along with the Minnesota Chorale on Handel’s Messiah. (Courtesy photo) After the COVID-19 Grinch stole Christmas last year, the festive spirit comes roaring back better than ever. Whether you survived on Classical music Zoom performances to get your holiday fix or forewent concert music… Read More →
By Star Tribune staff Star Tribune | OCTOBER 14, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/our-friday-best-james-sewell-ballet-rodrigo-y-gabriela-kosher-grocers-and-more/600106488/ Critics’ picks for Twin Cities entertainment this weekend and beyond. Photographer: Jim Mimna Rodrigo y Gabriela James Sewell Ballet JSB’s 30th anniversary tour was cut short last year, but the celebration is back with bells on. A program this weekend highlights favorite works from… Read More →
By SHEILA REGAN Special to the Pioneer Press | September 9, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/09/09/2021-fall-arts-classical-music-has-opera-outdoors-a-chopin-champ-and-vanskas-final-season/ Get your vaccine card and your mask ready as we head to the fall performing arts season. Most of the main performing venues— including concerts at Orchestra Hall and the Ordway require vaccinations and/or a negative test, as well as require visitors to wear… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Geoffrey Bush. Geoffrey Bush 1920-1998 Geoffrey Bush was a British composer, teacher, and music scholar who produced a wide range of compositions across different genres, including many songs and works for choirs. He began piano… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jorge Córdoba. Jorge Córdoba b. 1953 Jorge Córdoba Valencia was born on December 15, 1953, in Mexico City. As a young adult he had very diverse experiences in music. He informally studied popular music including… Read More →
