Interview with John Birge, Classical Minnesota Public Radio  (listen)

St. Paul, Minn. —
For the VocalEssence, it truly
began with Aaron Copland.

When Philip Brunelle launched his
new professional chorus in 1969, he went out on a limb and invited the
legendary American composer to come to Minneapolis to conduct. Copland’s
answer surprised him, and it created a fruitful partnership that led to
more concerts, and a Grammy winning recording.

Now, the VocalEssence Copland
legacy continues with “Undiscovered Copland,” Saturday March 13 at 8pm,
at Ted Mann Auditorium. The program includes little-known works like The
Second Hurricane, a rarely performed “play-opera” from 1937. More
familiar fare, such as Copland’s Old American Songs, is cast in a fresh
new light through the addition of new choreography by James Sewell
Ballet.

Philip Brunelle and James Sewell
talked with Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s John Birge about Aaron
Copland, and how from the beginning to today, Copland’s voice still
speaks so clearly to so many people.

Guests

• James Sewell

• Philip Brunelle