Search Results
Freedom’s Plow – , Nigro Spiritual / WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize (2024-2025)
Eyes on the Prize (Hold On!) – Freedom Song, Traditional / WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize (2024-2025)
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers at Bath Abbey Digital Concert Program
FEATURING: VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle, conductor
Concert: Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices
May 3, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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…
Concert: Ensemble Singers Featuring Greg Zelek
Apr 10, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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,…
Concert: WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals
Feb 22, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
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…
Mending the Sky Digital Concert Program
FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus Casey Rafn, collaborative artist G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
Philip’s Favorites II Digital Concert Program
FEATURING: VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Michael Sutton, violin Casey Rafn, piano Philip Brunelle, conductor
NEA Statement
VocalEssence has a deep and rich history of nurturing community and bridging cultural differences through the power of singing together. And for many years, the NEA has funded the VocalEssence WITNESS program, which celebrates the contributions the Black community makes to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage. When it comes to federal…
Bridging Societal Difference
VocalEssence affirms the value of all persons and seeks to nurture singing communities that reflect and respond to the rich tapestry of people and cultures that make up Minnesota. TOGETHER WE SING Together We Sing sums up our belief that singing is an essential form of human expression. We believe everyone can sing, and when…
Freedom is Coming: Can’t Turn Me ‘Round – Shoultz, III, G. Phillip / WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize (2024-2025)
Sacred Voices Digital Concert Program
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
Voices for a Cathedral Digital Concert Program
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…
VocalEssence Annual Report 2023-2024
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…






