While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. Click on the links to learn more. Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle: Every week day, Philip shares a little insider information and beautiful music about an important composer. Take 5… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carol Barnett. Carol Barnett b. 1949 Minneapolis composer Carol Barnett was born in Dubuque, Iowa, was raised in Minnesota and was a lover of music from childhood. She attended the University of Minnesota for her… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Peter Schickele, also known by his alternate persona: P.D.Q. Bach. Peter Schickele b.1935 Born to a musical family in Ames, Iowa in 1935, Peter Schickele demonstrated his musical talents at a young age. Schickele grew… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827 Likely the most influential and widely recognized composer of the nineteenth century, Beethoven is most known for his instrumental music. Beethoven was born in the town of Bonn,… Read More →
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Moses Hogan | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle https://www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/andre-thomas-musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ Steve Heitzeg | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Randall Davidson | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Timothy Takach | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Dominick Argento | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Carol Barnett… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer David Evan Thomas. David Evan Thomas b. 1958 The music of Minneapolis composer David Evan Thomas, born in Rochester, New York, has been described as playful, warm, expressive, and radiant. Thomas has degrees from Northwestern… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Alice Parker. Alice Parker b. 1925 Parker’s impressive body of over five hundred compositions and arrangements includes operas, cantatas, choral pieces, and song cycles. After attending Smith College, Parker completed her master’s program in choral… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Egil Hovland. Egil Hovland 1924-2013 As one of the most prominent Norwegian composers, works from Hovland’s vast compositional output are performed widely throughout Scandinavia, but have found less of a foothold in the United States.… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Dominick Argento. Dominick Argento 1927-2019 American composer Dominick Argento, born in York, Pennsylvania and based for much of his life in Minneapolis, is perhaps best known for his solo vocal and operatic works. He has… Read More →
Directions From Minneapolis Take Cedar Ave (Hwy. 77) South (past Mall of America) and into Apple Valley Exit onto County Rd. 38, following the brown and white “Zoo” signs. Head east on County Rd. 38 for 1 mile (you will cross back over Cedar). Go past the zoo entrance to the stop lights at Johnny… Read More →
By ROB HUBBARD | Special to the Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: November 25, 2019 at 12:37 pm | UPDATED: November 25, 2019 at 6:37 pm https://www.twincities.com/2019/11/25/holiday-arts-guide-2019-classical-music-has-many-flavors-of-the-sounds-of-the-season/ Not one “Messiah,” but a few, including a bilingual version. Holiday fare sung in sweet harmony by ensembles of various sizes. And some carols that swing. That’s what’s in store for you as you head… Read More →
Sons of Norway Blog | October 10th, 2019 https://www.sofn.com/blog/celebrate-our-125th-anniversary-with-music-from-norways-top-composer/ As part of the celebration for our upcoming 125th Anniversary in 2020, Sons of Norway has commissioned a musical work from renowned Norwegian composer Kim Andre Arneson. Just in time for Christmas, this new work will have its world premiere in a series of four performances in… Read More →
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers under the direction of Philip Brunelle will present a Homecoming Concert featuring music from their Mexico tour on Saturday, September 7, at 7 PM at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. The concert is free of charge, but a free-will offering will be taken at the event. VocalEssence… Read More →
David Vogels: The American Organist TAO August 2019 Many of you recognize Philip Brunelle as a world-class choral conductor, based on his tenure with Plymouth Congregational Church and the VocalEssence ensemble in Minneapolis—he’s currently celebrating his 50th anniversary with both organizations. You may also know him as an opera conductor and a director of music festivals… Read More →
