2024-2025 WITNESS Resources Thank you for being a WITNESS Partner School! Enjoy these free resources funded by institutions and individual donors. Scroll down to view a variety of resources created by the VocalEssence Learning and Engagement team staff. We hope you and your students will use and learn from these throughout the school year. Emma…
Join VocalEssence as we celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday with an unforgettable afternoon of choral beauty. Sit back and revel in the magnificent sights and sounds of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as Rutter conducts the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers and chamber orchestra in his best-loved choral gems. The program features the U.S. premiere…
Join the VocalEssence Chorus in an exploration of genre-defying selections that showcase the incredible versatility of the human voice. Span the globe with us as we highlight the diverse cultural influences that continue to shape American musical traditions. A spotlight will be placed on the music of VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!—an initiative that builds musical bridges between…
The majestic vaulted ceiling and warm acoustics of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral create the perfect setting for this virtuosic all-French program. Greg Zelek, “one of the country’s most exciting young organists” (Organiste), joins the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers—acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)—performing works by Roger-Ducasse, Duruflé,…
Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire us to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in The Justice Symphony by Damien Geter, featuring anthems from the Civil Rights era. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro…
Embrace the wonder of the season as VocalEssence continues its cherished tradition of welcoming Christmas in song. Hear sounds of the season from around the globe performed by four VocalEssence choirs, brass, guitar, percussion, and Northrop’s spectacular pipe organ. Feel the holiday spirit move through you as you lend your voice to joy-filled sing-alongs that…
FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus Casey Rafn, collaborative artist G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
Join us for a season of big names, bold premieres, and breath-taking performances. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! Click on the concerts below for more information and to order tickets. Please note: We are working with multiple ticket offices this season, so be sure to click on each concert for ticket information. 2025-2026 Season Concert Listing Sarojini…
FEATURING: VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Michael Sutton, violin Casey Rafn, piano Philip Brunelle, conductor
FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Goitsemang Lehobye, soprano University Singers, University of Minnesota Matthew Mehaffey, conductor Orchestra Sir James MacMillan, conductor Philip Brunelle, conductor
FEATURING: Basilica of St. Mary Cathedral Choir Patrick Schneider, conductor | Samuel Holmberg, organist Central Lutheran Choir Joseph Osowski, conductor | Isaac Drewes, organist House of Hope Presbyterian Motet Choir Matthew Culloton, conductor | Aaron David Miller, organist St. Mark’s Cathedral Choir Ray Johnston, conductor Saint Paul Cathedral Choir Christopher Ganza, conductor Plymouth Congregational Church…
Dear Friends of VocalEssence, With immense joy and gratitude, we share with you the 2023-2024 Annual Report for VocalEssence. This past year has been one of transformative growth, artistic innovation, and deep community impact. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also look ahead with great anticipation to what’s next. Our commitment to using music as…
Philip Brunelle & VocalEssence invite you to a celebration honoring guest artists Sir James MacMillan Conductor & Composer Goitsemang Lehobye Soprano Monday, March 31, 2025 5:30pm to 7:30pm Hosted by Mary and Jim Lawrence 4415 E Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN On-street parking available RSVP by March 26th below or to amy@vocalessence.org or 612.547.1454 Please…
Ruby Bridges At the tender age of six, Ruby Bridges advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960 when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Born on September 8, 1954, Bridges was the oldest of five children for Lucille and Abon Bridges, farmers in Tylertown,…
FEATURING: One Accord Dance Collective Suzette Gilreath Anaje Colquitt and Aurora Silpala, storytellers Audrey Lane-Getaz, soloist VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Singers Of This Age VocalEssence Vintage Voices Casey Rafn, piano WITNESS Trio G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
