Press Releases

Violin in front of sheet music with pine, red berries, and red ornaments

Holiday Arts Guide: Classical music’s carols and melodies bring sense of togetherness

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

8 of the best holiday shows this season in the Twin Cities area

By Star Tribune staff Star Tribune | November 12, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/holiday-shows-are-back-eight-of-the-best-this-season-in-the-twin-cities/600115842/?refresh=true These popular shows are back. MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE “Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy” ‘Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy’ The return to holiday show traditions after a year without them wouldn’t be complete without this classic. Performed in the ornate grandness of the State Theatre, the Minnesota…  Read More

Minnesota Choral Directors Honor Philip Brunelle

  MINNESOTA CHORAL DIRECTORS HONOR PHILIP BRUNELLE  The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) will honor Philip Brunelle, founding artistic director of VocalEssence, at a special festival Legacy concert during the annual ACDA-MN State Conference on Friday, November 19, 8:00 pm.   The public concert will be performed at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater…  Read More

VocalEssence Christmas Concert Featuring Gustavus Alumni Wins Upper Midwest Emmy

by Sara Cronk Gustavus Adolphus Fine Arts Blog | October 21st, 2021 VocalEssence Christmas Concert Featuring Gustavus Alumni Wins Upper Midwest Emmy The VocalEssence Chorus features multiple Gustavus Alumni. Picture Credit Bruce Silcox, courtesy of VocalEssence At the 22nd annual Upper Midwest Regional Emmys, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence’s Christmas concert, Welcome Christmas, received the Emmy for Entertainment, Long Form Content.…  Read More

VocalEssence Previews ‘Hope Lives Here’

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/6105877-vocalessence-previews-hope-lives-here/ The popular local group VocalEssence is back with live music this weekend. Philip Brunelle was featured on WCCO.

Our Friday best: James Sewell Ballet, Rodrigo y Gabriela, ‘Kosher Grocers’ and 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

Weekend Best Bets: Oct. 14-17

By Katherine Lawless Minnesota Monthly | October 14, 2021 https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/travel-recreation/recreation/weekend-best-bets-oct-14-17/?utm_campaign=Minnesota%20Monthly%20Newsletter%20-%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=170892188&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–wQ19DN3ZzEfY4zNYauHGba4XtCbAeoH7kjajasXaN2SZAlS5cL9_ChbZ0Tn-BoVhTzmL0VcG5sPZNU9fJQgoZW0JidQ0lFVEwTS_2FnrMcVP554Y&utm_content=170892188&utm_source=hs_email Things to do this weekend around the Twin Cities: VocalEssence, Summit Brewing, Cafe Meow, and more VocalEssence’s 2021-22 season is underwayPHOTO BY KYNDELL HARKNESS Girls in Film What LunaFest When: Thursday-Saturday, October 14-16 Where: Virtual In a virtual film fest that benefits Girls on the Run Minnesota—a nonprofit…  Read More

10 Twin Cities classical music concerts to add to your calendar for fall 2021

By Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | August 27, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/top-10-classical-music-concerts-for-fall-2021/600097792/ ‘Opera Afuera’ Minnesota Opera originally planned to open its season at the St. Paul Saints’ ballpark, but moved its presentation of Latin American vocal music and operatic excerpts to Minnesota United’s soccer pitch. Fort Worth Symphony leader Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts. Scarves optional.…  Read More

Celebrate the Season with Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at the Basilica

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACTS:   Jennifer Weismann   612-716-0556   Jennifer@owl-marketing.com     Randi Ericksen  612-440-6219  randi@bachsocietymn.org CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO AT THE BASILICA  VocalEssence and The Bach Society of Minnesota team up to perform holiday masterwork—December 3  MINNEAPOLIS—September 17, 2021—The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and the Bach Society of Minnesota (BSM) will collaborate on a concert performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in a stunning setting, at…  Read More

VOCALESSENCE ELECTS SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact:  Jennifer Weismann   612-716-0556   Jennifer@owl-marketing.com     VOCALESSENCE ELECTS SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS  Award-winning nonprofit organization adds members of Twin Cities business, arts, and education communities to its Board of Directors to serve as ambassadors and guides  MINNEAPOLIS—September 14, 2021—VocalEssence, the award-winning choral organization known for both the artistic…  Read More

2021 Fall Arts: Classical music has opera outdoors, a Chopin champ and Vanska’s final season

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

VocalEssence, Cantus return to live and in-person performance; Ragamala Dance at Lyndale Gardens

By Pamela Espeland MinnPost| August 24, 2021 ALSO: Malamanya live at Lyndale Gardens; Teresa Mock presents “The Uncertainty Principle”; and August Green Roof Poetry at the Walker. Special guests for this year’s “Witness” concert at Orchestra Hall will be the Aeolians, the world-renowned choir from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. Courtesy of VocalEssence Dear Artscape…  Read More

VocalEssence season to include Bob Dylan tour and new composition by the Police’s Stewart Copeland

By ROSS RAIHALA | rraihala@pioneerpress.com Pioneer Press | August 6, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/08/06/vocalessence-season-to-include-bob-dylan-tour-and-new-composition-by-the-polices-stewart-copeland/  “Music Moves Us” is the theme of VocalEssence’s recently announced 2021-22 concert season. The Minneapolis choral music group will return to in-person concerts in a variety of venues. Concerts will also be streamed online free of charge. Season tickets go on sale Aug. 23, with single…  Read More