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 →

by Louisa Castner and Jon Bream | Star Tribune MAY 18, 2019 — 12:23AM: http://www.startribune.com/pick-six-praise-for-vocalessence-lizz-wright-david-crosby-more/510034112/ Louisa Castner of Minneapolis: 1 VocalEssence, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” Conductors Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz III showcased Minnesota-made music, with the visionary song cycle by Steve Hackman and bold new arrangements of iconic Bob Dylan tunes. 2…  Read More →

By Pamela Espeland | MinnPost April 24, 2019: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/04/yellow-tree-lyric-arts-artistry-2019-20-lineups/ Photo by Guy Magno A scene from a previous production of “Another Miracle on Christmas Lake.” Take a break from downtown parking woes … in both cities. Good theater happens in places that have ample free parking just outside the door. Three robust theater companies have recently…  Read More →

By Pamela Espeland | MinnPost Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – 10:04 AM: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/03/260-films-from-77-nations-coming-our-way-in-april/ Courtesy of the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul A still from MSPIFF’s opening night film, “Yuli,” about the life of Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta. The 38th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is just over two weeks away. Tickets go on sale to the…  Read More →

By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune MARCH 17, 2019 — 11:11AM: http://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-team-tries-to-fix-leonard-bernstein-s-biggest-flop/507161192/ Theater Latté Da doubles up with VocalEssence to rethink a confounding musical theater work. Photo: Allen Weeks After opening on Broadway in 1956, Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide” ran for a paltry 73 performances. That’s a disaster in terms of music theater.…  Read More →

Don Lee |  Chorus America January 10, 2019 https://www.chorusamerica.org/node/9195 North American choruses are anticipating a wave of major anniversaries in the coming years, and their leaders are hard at work preparing to mark the occasions. The most thoughtful celebrations honor a chorus’s past achievements, while laying the groundwork for an even stronger future. Brace yourself. In…  Read More →

A musical visionary and tireless self-promoter, VocalEssence founder Philip Brunelle is a world-renowned force. 

SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 — 5:40PM http://www.startribune.com/readers-write-vocalessence-in-mexico/493346251/ Recently, it was the privilege of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to be invited to Mexico City as guests of the Symphonic Orchestra of Minería and the National University of Mexico funded by Fomento Educacional. The 30 professional Minnesota singers joined forces with 30 professional Mexican singers for a week…  Read More →

June 4, 2018 by Paige Elliott http://spokesman-recorder.com/2018/06/04/vocalessence-marks-milestone-season-with-new-voices-unique-collaborations/ Minneapolis-based choral organization VocalEssence has recently unveiled the musical offerings for its jubilee 50th season. Highlighting a diverse lineup of concerts and programming, the nonprofit’s 2018-2019 season promises outdoor summer sing-alongs, a new family series, and musical celebrations of inclusion, perseverance and identity. The season kicks off in August with…  Read More →