VocalEssence Annual Report 2022-2023

In 2022-2023 VocalEssence completed an extended strategic planning process that included revised mission, vision, and values statements and new strategic imperatives to achieve the impact we wish to have in society. VocalEssence celebrates singing as an essential human expression. Artistic quality, passion for singing together, and reputation for engaging people are hallmarks of our impact.…

VocalEssence Strategic Plan 2022-2025

VocalEssence celebrates singing as an essential human expression. Artistic quality, passion for singing together, and reputation for engaging people are hallmarks of our impact. As our community changes, we have developed this strategic plan to address our future in three key areas, keeping singing together at the center of our work.

VocalEssence Annual Report 2021-2022

“INSPIRED”—was the word used most frequently by patrons to describe their engagement with VocalEssence during the 2021-2022 season. Inspiration was at the center of everything we did this year: Our Chorus and Ensemble Singers were inspired to return to singing in person at venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit…

WITNESS: Rejoice! Young People’s Concert

Share your Voice Would you be willing to give us some quick feedback? To tell us how we did, click one of the buttons below. Student Survey                                                                                  Teacher…

Moses Pergament | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Moses Pergament. Moses Pergament 1893-1977 Finnish/Swedish Composer and music critic Moses Pergament’s musical influences range from German Expressionism and French Impressionism to Jewish themes and Biblical cantillation. He started compositional studies in 1909 in the…  Read More

John Knowles Paine | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer John Knowles Paine. John Knowles Paine 1839-1906 John Knowles Paine was the first American-born composer to achieve fame for large-scale orchestral music. In the 1850s Paine took lessons in organ and composition from Hermann Kotzschmar,…  Read More

Sir John Goss | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Sir John Goss. Sir John Goss 1800-1880 Sir John Goss was an English composer, chiefly of English cathedral music and hymnody. Born to a musical family, Goss was a boy chorister of the Chapel Royal,…  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

Edmund Rubbra | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Edmund Rubbra. This Musical Moment features Soprano, Maria Jette, as Philip’s guest. Edmund Rubbra 1901-1986 Edmund Rubbra was a prolific British composer of instrumental and choral music. He was born to a poor, though musical,…  Read More

William Mathias | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Mathias. William Mathias 1934-1992 William Mathias was a prolific Welsh composer and arranger of Anglican carols for choir. He began to compose at an early age, studying first at the University College of Wales,…  Read More

Melissa Dunphy | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Melissa Dunphy. Melissa Dunphy b. 1980 Australian-born composer Melissa Dunphy is a prolific young composer whose works redefine music’s purpose in contemporary society. Born to refugee parents and raised in Australia, Dunphy immigrated to the…  Read More