Philip’s Favorites II

  • Philip Brunelle, conductor, looks into the camera smiling with his hands open and near his face. Photo Credit: Anna Min

Two Performances

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 4 PM
Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4 PM
Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

“Incredible music flawlessly presented and deeply moving. I would come to a performance of Philip’s Additional Favorites every year.”
—Philip’s Favorites Audience Member

Back by popular demand! VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has more favorite pieces—along with the stories behind the music—from the past 56 years to share. Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and special guest violinist, Michael Sutton, as we travel down memory lane. Rediscover music of beloved composers all in the beautiful and intimate setting of Larson Hall at the American Swedish Institute.

PROGRAM

Coming Soon.

THINGS TO KNOW

• VocalEssence has commissioned more than 350 works over the past 56 years from both established and emerging composers. Many of the composers commissioned have been present at the premiere to offer performance insights to the singers and to share information about their works.

• Philip Brunelle and many of the commissioned composers have developed life-long friendships not only with composers from Minnesota, but others around the world as well.

• Check out Philip Brunelle’s Musical Moments to learn more about many of the different composers and their pieces that have been performed by VocalEssence throughout the past 56 years. Click the button below to learn more.

MUSICAL MOMENTS

LISTEN

Click on the button below to enjoy last year’s performance of Philip’s Favorites.

Philip’s Favorites

Image Gallery

  • Person in a tuxedo holding a baton and conducting. Photo Credit: Katie Jeanne Photography
    Philip Brunelle conducting. Photo Credit: Katie Jeanne Photography
  • VocalEssence Ensemble Singers wearing black pose for a photo. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
    VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
  • People dressed in black and holding black folders standing on risers in front of a paneled wall with a conductor leading them perform in front of an audience.
    VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, conducted by Philip Brunelle, perform. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
  • People dressed in black and holding black folders standing on risers in front of a paneled wall with a conductor leading them perform in front of an audience.
    VocalEssence Ensemble Singers perform. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
  • People dressed in black and holding black folders standing on risers in front of a paneled wall perform in front of an audience.
    VocalEssence Ensemble Singers perform. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
  • People dressed in black and holding black folders standing on risers in front of a paneled wall with a conductor leading them perform in front of an audience.
    VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, conducted by Philip Brunelle, perform. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
  • Person in black tuxedo conducting.
    Philip Brunelle conducts at Northrop. Photo Credit: Tony Nelson Photography
  • Conductor wearing black tuxedo in front of singers holding black folders and wearing black clothes. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox
    Philip Brunelle conducts the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox