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VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

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…

A collage image. On the left VocalEssence Ensemble Singers wearing black perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. On the right, Greg Zelek, wearing a black shirt and vest with hands folded poses in front of an organ console and pipes. Photo Credit (L-R): Bruce Silcox and Peter Rodgers

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,…

VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while holding their arms forward on stage for the annual WITNESS concert. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

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…

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…

The sun and its rays shine beams of light through clouds breaking into blue sky above the sun and an orange hued sky below. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Image

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

Many singers perform in front of an audience in the ornate sanctuary of the Cathedral of Saint Paul that features a baldachin with black and gold marble columns that has a bronze latticework canopy. Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox

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…